Kargil, September 30/ VOL News Desk/ The Department of Horticulture, Kargil, organised an exhibition at Hussaini Park, Kargil, showcasing locally produced fruits, horticulture products, modern technologies and various departmental initiatives.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor LAHDC Kargil Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon LAHDC as Cheif guest in the presence of Excutive Councillor Aga Mushtaba Musawi and Executive Councillor Aga Syed Ali Syed Ali and Councillor Poyen Amin. The dignitaries visited the stalls, where Chief Horticulture Officer Ali Raza briefed them about the exhibits. A spray drone was also showcased to highlight the use of modern technology in horticulture.

The programme was attended by Director Horticulture Tsering Punchok district officers, farmers, students and other participants. The programme commenced with a welcome address by Chief Horticulture Officer Ali Raza, who welcomed the dignitaries, farmers, students and participants and highlighted the department’s efforts towards strengthening the horticulture sector in Kargil.

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The programme highlighted the export potential of Kargil’s apples and apricots. Speakers highlighted that earlier export restrictions have been removed with post  UT Formation and support of UT Ladakh Administration and LAHDC, creating greater market opportunities for local farmers, including at the international level.

The speakers also encouraged educated youth to take up self-employment and entrepreneurship in the horticulture sector and also encouraged them to avail  various government schemes and financial assistance related to such self-employment.

The Director of Horticulture Tsewang Punchok briefed the participants about various government schemes and initiatives being implemented for the benefit of farmers. He highlighted the importance and popularity of Kargil’s apricots and informed that the department is working on new initiatives in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) to further promote the horticulture sector.

Addressing the gathering, CEC Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon congratulated the Department of Horticulture for organising the exhibition and appreciated the efforts being made by the department and other allied sectors, particularly Agriculture and Horticulture, for the sustainable development of the district.

He stressed the need to promote sustainable growth and create more employment opportunities for the youth. He urged educated youth, including those holding B.Sc. degrees in Horticulture, to explore self-employment opportunities instead of depending solely on government jobs.

The CEC also stressed the importance of transparency in the implementation of government schemes. He also directed the concern departments to expand the awareness among the youth and intrested participants to ensure that no eligible beneficiary is left out.

Dr Akhoon also appreciated the contribution of Self Help Groups and recalled that Kargil’s local products had performed exceptionally well at Dilli Haat in previous years. He urged farmers, particularly young people, to make full use of government schemes and opportunities available for the promotion of horticulture and allied activities.

During the programme, awards and token of appreciations and certificates were presented to farmers in recognition of their contribution and achievements in the horticulture sector.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Horticulture Development Officer, Mohd Ali Khan, who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, officials, farmers, students and all participants for their presence and support.