Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, Aug 21: Agriculture Minister Gh. Nabi Lone today discussed with LAHDC Leh regarding the progress in agricultural sector in the district.
Lone said Hill Council should come up with a ‘multi purpose comprehensive plan’ so that necessary steps can be taken to promote agriculture especially in seed production, which is suitable for Ladakh conditions.
He admitted relatively low budget allocation for this developmental sector everywhere and revealed an alternative solution for this.
Accordingly, Ministry has decided for ‘convergence’ of Agriculture Department with Rural and Irrigation Departments. Hence, the concerned authorities at local level should coordinate to apply this decision, Minister instructed, adding Pradhan Mantri Sinchai Yojna and other relevant flagship schemes will be soon introduced in Ladakh for which a meeting with Chief Secretary will be held shortly.
On staff shortage issue, Minister promised to fill up the vacancies in no time. However, he wanted Block level camps done to create awareness on increased agricultural productivity and also explore sericulture potential in Ladakh.
LAHDC Chairman Dr. Sonam Dawa said Hill Council is committed to develop agriculture, especially, in view of declining trend in this sector in Ladakh. Council has made 10 percent enhancement in budget for agriculture, he said expecting full support from Government to Council’s plan to promote organic farming.
Dr. Dawa also expressed the need to explore alternative irrigation methods such as drip irrigation, artificial ice stupa and glaciers successfully being created by NGOs, which has become extremely important for water conservation.
Others present in the meeting were Shaukat Begh, Director Agriculture, Farukh Ahmed Malik Director Sericulture, LAHDC ECs and ADC Leh.
Earlier, Chief Agriculture Officer Tashi Tsetan gave a power point presentation on various activities of the department.
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