Fruit growers showcase 377 fruit varieties; highlight region’s rich horticultural diversity

Kargil, Sept 25, 2024: Horticulture Department Kargil concluded its annual exhibition 2024-2025 at Batalik village today, where fruit growers showcased 377 varieties of fruits highlighting the region’s rich horticultural diversity.

During the event, Director Horticulture Ladakh, Tsewang Phunchok along with other officials inspected different fruit varieties displayed by local growers at the exhibition. 

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While speaking on the occasion, the Director Horticulture said the exhibition of different varieties will be a sample for other farmers so that they can also move on the same path to improve the quality of their fruits.

He said cultivating practices in horticulture should be in line with the changing trends and demands adding that fruit growers need to be updated with better processing, packaging and marketing procedures so that they improve their economy.

The Director stated that the exhibition offers fruit growers an opportunity to exchange knowledge with one another. He urged farmers to collaborate with the department to benefit from its various schemes. The Director emphasized the importance of cultivating high-quality fruits and assured them full support from the department in achieving this goal.

Scientist KVK, Kargil, Dr Mansoor Hussain stressed on organic, vermicompost fertilizer for healthy cultivation and to save the environment. He emphasized organic and natural farming, while advocating the integration of technology and modern methods.

On the occasion, Chief Horticulture Officer, Kargil, Mohd Zaffar stressed the farmers to use government schemes properly, appealing farmers to coordinate with the department to get the benefits of the welfare schemes.

He also spoke about many varieties present at the exhibition like apricot, apple, peach, pear etc. the CHO also thanked the 21-Garhwal for their support in organizing the exhibition. 

Subject Matter Specialist (SMS), Kunzang Wangmo, gave detailed information on various schemes of the department for the fruit growers. 

Commanding Officer, 21-Garhwal A. K Maletha also spoke on the occasion and expressed his happiness for conducting events in the area. Officials informed that the exhibition was attended by 105 fruit growers, including 54 males and 51 females.

The fruit growers displayed 377 different fruit varieties at the exhibition, with stalls featuring 34 kinds of fresh apples, 16 varieties of late apricots, 76 types of fresh peaches, 6 varieties of fresh pears, 28 kinds of fresh grapes, and a variety of dry fruits.

Different kinds of horticulture-related machines and tool kits were also showcased by the department so that farmers are well acquainted with their usage and benefits. 

An expert committee judged the exhibition and categorised the awards among the fruit growers. The Director and other dignitaries distributed prizes among the position holders in different varieties, who had exhibited their locally grown fruits during the annual event.

Commanding Officer, 21-Garhwal, A.K Maletha, Chief Horticulture Officer, Kargil Mohd Zaffar, Subject Matter Specialist, Kunzang Wangmo, Scientist KVK, Kargil, Dr Mansoor Hussain, farmers, and others attended the event.