Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, June 26: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, R K Mathur attended the workshop on Development of Climate Resilient and Sustainable Agri-based Systems for Better Food, Feed, Nutritional and Livelihood Security Options to Farming Community of Cold Arid Region of Ladakh, organised by the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), in Leh today.
Speaking on the occasion, LG Mathur requested NDRI to conduct a study on the nutritional value of indigenous milk and suggest ways to bring prosperity to the people through the sale of indigenous milk of Ladakhi cattle with hypoxic properties. He stated that Ladakhi cattle is recognised as one of the indigenous cattle breeds of India. He stressed on the need for youth from Ladakh to come forward and establish large dairy and fodder units to meet the overall demands of milk of the local population as well as the Army. This, he said, would enable a good livelihood.
LG Mathur suggested that NDRI may provide guidance to aspiring young entrepreneurs from Ladakh interested in the large-scale production of fodder and conduct research on the subject. He stated that it is the responsibility of the Administration and both the Hill Councils to earmark large areas for the production of fodder and enable young entrepreneurs to grow.
Highlighting the efforts being made by the Administration and the Hill Councils to sell horticulture products such as apricot in the international market, the LG stressed on the need for processing of the fruits.
Dr Anurag Saxena, who would lead the DST Project, briefed about the project outline and spoke of the shift in precipitation pattern due to the impact of climate change. He apprised of the need for a proper land-use plan for Ladakh, keeping in view the climate change pattern.
Dr Dheer Singh, Joint Director (Research), NDRI, also highlighted the challenges of the impacts of climate change. Secretary, Animal, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries (ASH & Fisheries), Ravinder Kumar shared the challenges faced by the people of Ladakh, especially the shortage of fodder and milk in the winters. Director, ASH & Fisheries, Dr Mohammad Raza spoke on the sustainable development of the livestock sector in Ladakh.
Earlier, Dr Deldan Namgyal from High Mountain Altitude Arid Agriculture Research Institute (HMAARI) presented welcomed address, while Dr Changchuk Lamo from CAZRI, Leh, gave the vote of thanks. Officials, researchers and scientists from various organisations were present during the workshop. The development project is funded by the Department of Science & Technology (DST).
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