Overview of the Agriculture Sector in Leh Ladakh

1.1 Leh District

District Leh in the state of Jammu & Kashmir is situated in trans-Himalaya. The high mountain district is characterized by a rugged topography at an altitude ranging from 2900 to 5900 meters above sea level. It has

2a vast geographical area of 45100 km , which is larger than that of Haryana State. Leh is bounded by Pakistan occupied Kashmir in the west, China in the North and eastern part, and Lahaul Spiti of Himachal Pradesh in the south east. It is at a distance of 434 kilometres from Srinagar and 474 kilometres from Manali (Himachal Pradesh).

Leh district is separated from the Indian subcontinent by the Great Himalayan Range and edged by the Karakoram Range to the North. The region is characterized by extreme temperature variations, low precipitation mostly in the form of snow, high wind velocity, sparse plant density, thin atmosphere with high UV-radiation and fragile ecosystem. The temperature often drops down to -30ºC in winter. Long harsh winters reduce the cropping season to just four to ve months in a year.

1.2 Agriculture Sector in Leh District

Agriculture in Leh Ladakh is a way of life for the agrarian population and nearly 70% population is directly or indirectly dependent on this sector. Despite the vast geographical area, 62% of the households has less than 1 ha cultivable land. Single-cropping is dominant, as double-cropping is possible only in a limited area falling below an altitude of approximately 3000 m. Agriculture production is entirely based on irrigation. Glaciers are the main source of water for irrigation and the rivers that ow in the region remain underutilized for agricultural

purpose. Production of unique natural resources such as apricot, apple and off-season vegetable remain limited due to water scarcity and poor market linkages. Due to its unique climatic conditions, there is glut of farm produce in August and September, while there is no availability of fresh fruits and vegetables during the rest of the year. Domestic food production is unable to meet the demand of the increasing population in the district. Leh gets approximately 73% of its food grain from outside the region. The vegetable import dependency is approximately 67%, while that of fruit is approximately 85%. Therefore, self-sufciency in food is an important issue for the region. Meeting the demand of the region by local production is a difcult task. Importing of goods to Ladakh necessitates the shipping by trucks across the Himalayas, with passes as high as 5300 m, covering the distance of Manali to Leh (474 km) or Srinagar to Leh (434 km).

The total cropped area in Leh district is 10,223 Ha and

thus only 0.2% of the total geographical area is under

cultivation. Similarly, the area under forest cover is

meagre 0.064%. Moreover, Ladakh's oating population

is increasing rapidly in addition to the local populace and

the troops deployed in the region. Majority of the

households have small land holding; 49.4% households

have less than 0.5 ha land. Population growth competes

with cultivable land available for agriculture and for

water resources. Value of land has increased to the point

where return from agriculture/horticulture production is

unable to compete with other developmental activities

especially in the areas coming under urbanization.

Chapter 1

Overview of the Agriculture Sector in Leh Ladakh

Ladakh Organic Policy 1

Table 1: Leh Ladakh at a glance

Particular Area/ nos Major crops/ heads/ Percent distribution2 Total geographical area 45110 km -

Altitude 2900-5900 m

Blocks 16

Villages 113 -

Panchayat 95

Ladakh Organic Policy2


Table 1: Leh Ladakh at a glance

Particular Area/ nos Major crops/ heads/ Percent distribution

Population 1,33,487 nos. Male (78971 nos.), female (54516 nos.)

Literacy rate 77.2% 2 Area under forest 29 Km Willow, poplar, Seabuckthorn

Total cropped area 10,223 Ha Wheat (2415 ha), barley (3631 ha), pulses (118 ha), vegetable (629 ha), oil seeds (71 ha), fodder (2289 ha)

Gross area irrigated 10,223 Ha -

Number of fruit trees 1,75,354 nos Apricot (1,11,477 nos.), apple (60,555 nos.), others (3,322 nos.)

Agricultural land % Below 0.5 ha (49.4%), 0.5-1.0 ha (10.2%), 1.0-2.0 ha holding per household (20.2%), 2.0-3.0 ha (9.9%), 3.0-4.0 ha (4.9%), 4.0-5.0 ha

(2.3%), 5.0-7.5 ha (1.9%), 7.5-10 ha (0.7%), 10-20 ha (0.3%), above 20 ha (0.3%)

Fertilizer use 533 MT (in 2018) Urea (288 MT), DAP (230 MT), MOP (15 MT)

Pesticide use 98.7 litre (in 2018) -

Sheep & goat 2,04,751 nos. Sheep (70,619 nos.), goat (1,34,132 nos.)

Cattle, Yak, Dzo-Dzomos, 90,864 nos Cattle (45,381 nos), Yak, Dzo-Dzomos (18721 nos.),Donkey, Pony, Poultry Donkey (6,077 nos), Pony (5,321 nos.), Poultry (15,364 nos.)

Vegetable Cultivation:

In late 1960s only ve types of vegetables were grown in the region. Recently, feasibility of growing 101 types of vegetable has been demonstrated. Farmers in Ladakh are growing 23 types of vegetable on commercial scale and supplying to Army in the region through Farmers

Cooperative Marketing Society. Ladakh region is known for production of off-season vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliower, peas. However, due to poor market linkage, large-scale production of vegetable as off-season crops has not gained momentum in the region.

Table 2: Production and area under different vegetables crop cultivation in Leh Ladakh (2016)

Crop Production Area

MT % Ha %

Onion 402 3.4 37 6.6

Cabbage 397 3.3 21 3.7

Cauliower 212 1.8 17 3.0

Carrot 242 2.0 23 4.1

Radish 95 0.8 6 1.1

Beans 40 0.3 12 2.1

Cucurbits 34 0.3 2 0.4

Potato 8970 75.6 253 44.8

Pea 1269 10.7 169 30.0

Others 206 1.7 24 4.3

Fruit Production

Apricot and apple are the two major fruit crops of the region, and are prized for their quality. The climatic condition is highly congenial for the production of quality apricot and apple owing to long fruiting season,

clear sky and high diurnal temperature variation during growing season. However, the production of the amount of fruit to meet the requirements to sustain a small and cottage scale industry, although in infancy, is on gradual increase. Historically, the premium quality dried apricots



are used as one of the main trading commodity with neighboring countries. Recently, Raktsey Karpo, apricots with white seed coat, has been identied as unique genetic resource of Ladakh and the world's sweetest apricots. There is immense potential for large-

scale production and marketing of quality organic apricot and apple from Ladakh. Recently, production has also started for organically grown high quality melon in the region.

Table 3: Fruit trees in different Blocks of Leh district (numbers)

Name of Block Apricot Apple Others Total

Chuchot 2118 3874 142 6134

Diskit 6523 8866 Nil 15389

Durbuk 150 40 Nil 190

Khalsi 28640 11959 989 41588

Kharu 1750 1830 1 3581

Leh 1918 2767 53 4738

Nimoo 7543 6071 224 13838

Nyoma Nil Nil Nil Nil

Panamik 4358 4965 Nil 9323

Rong-Chumathang 1738 561 1 2300

Rupsho-Puga Nil Nil Nil Nil

Saspol 5888 5056 305 11249

Singaylalok 3152 343 23 3518

Skurbuchan 24594 4389 504 29487

Thiksey 1586 2864 20 4470

Turtuk 20285 4266 929 25480

Leh town 1233 2704 131 4068

TOTAL 111477 60555 3322 175354

Seabuckthorn: Underutilized wild shrub

Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is an

ecologically and economically important native plant. It

grows naturally in Ladakh without much of human

interference. Recent discovery of the health benets,

although being used as ingredients in traditional

medicine, fetches a premium price even at the harvesting

sites. Large-scale cultivation of Seabuckthorn has the

potential to be a key means for sustainable development

of cold desert of Ladakh. Currently the demand for

Seabuckthorn of the region exceeds the supply.

Cultivation of Seabuckthorn on 2500 ha is estimated to

fetch a net income of Rs 491 crore annually. Recently,

Seabuckthorn has also been included as horticultural

activity under Mission for Integrated Development of

Horticulture (MIDH) scheme of Ministry of Agriculture

and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.

Cereal crops

Wheat and barley are the traditional crops of Ladakh, and

continued to be the staple food of the people. Cereals are

grown for twin purpose of food and fodder. Of the total

10223 Ha under cultivation, wheat (2415 Ha) and barley

(3632 Ha) occupy 59.2% of the total cropped areas.

However, in view of easy and cheap availability of wheat

from Public Distribution System (PDS), interest among

farmers in growing wheat crop is slowly declining.

Organic certication will ensure higher returns.



Fodder

Fodder is the backbone of agriculture and animal husbandry industry in Ladakh. Cultivated fodder occupies 22.4% (2290 Ha) of the total cropped areas. The region is known for high quality alfa-alfa, which is a rich source of protein. Dried alfa-alfa is traditionally used as the main source of fodder during winter months. There is a need to increase area under fodder cultivation for a sustainable organic farming system in the district.

Table 4: Area under different crops in Leh district (Ha)

CropName of Block Total Wheat Barley Pulses Vegetable Oil seed Fodder Fruit Others

Chuchot 740.75 392 9 18.4 0 328.4 31.8 0 1520.4

Diskit 263.1 172.3 14 21.2 26 345.2 66.5 15 923.3

Durbuk 0 163.3 1 6.5 0 188.2 0.8 0 359.8

Khalsi 41 357.4 16.2 39.7 0 100.4 175.2 28.5 758.4

Kharu 37 803.7 11.5 133.4 14.8 277.8 14.3 0 1292.5

Leh 408.1 68.3 6.7 71.5 0 100.4 23.0 0 678

Nimoo 176 362.5 14.1 41.0 0 122.5 57.1 0 773.2

Nyoma 0 156.5 0 1.5 0 71 0 0 229

Panamik 190 15 19 76 21 214 25.5 0 560.5

Rong-Chumathang 0 201.8 1.5 4.2 0 56.2 12.4 0 276.1

Rupsho-Puga 0 9.5 0 0.1 0 22.5 0 0 32.1

Saspol 8.7 249 4.5 36.1 9 53.5 56.5 25 442.3

Singaylalok 13.8 212.8 2.1 5.3 0 63.8 17.9 0 315.7

Skurbuchan 0 388.8 12.6 65 0 94.6 193.1 177 931.1

Thiksey 453.1 31.5 0 18.1 0 103.3 17.9 0 623.9

Turtuk 23 47 1 29 0 16 113.7 1 230.7

Leh town 60 0 5 62 0 132 16.6 0 275.6

TOTAL 2414.5 3631.4 118.2 629 70.8 2289.8 822.3 246.5 10222.6

Passive Solar Greenhouse

Passive solar greenhouses are used extensively in

Ladakh for production of leafy vegetables from October

to March and for early nursery raising from March to

April. Recently, DRDO has established its DIHAR

Greenhouse, wherein crops such as cauliower, cabbage,

tomato and mushroom can be grown even during peak

winter months. The State Agriculture Department,

Horticulture Department and Ladakh Renewable Energy

Development Agency are providing subsidy to local

farmers for adoption of greenhouse technology. There is

a need to establish commercial size greenhouses, such as

DIHAR Greenhouse, on large scale to have a visible

impact.

Major Insect Pest and Diseases

Incidence of insect pests and diseases in the cold arid

region is low due to low temperature and relative

humidity. However, incidence of codling moth, leaf

curling aphid, defoliating caterpillar (Euproctis spp.) and

gummosis are major problems of fruit trees. Loose smut

is a major disease of cereals in the region, while in

vegetables incidence of cut worm, onion maggot, aphid,

cabbage buttery are major insect pests.

Fertilizer Use

Data available from Cooperative Department, LAHDC

Leh shows considerable reduction in overall fertilizer

use in the district from 787.0 MT in 2015 to 532.7 MT in

Pulses

Pulses can be grown successfully in Ladakh condition.

However, it occupies only 1.2% of the total cropped areas

in Leh district. The State Agriculture Department is

promoting growing of pulses in the region and area under

pulses is slowly increasing. Rajma grown in the region is

of high quality. It cooks fast and taste very good. It is a

low risk crop, and can be marketed as premium organic

produce of Ladakh.



2018. There has been a considerable variation in

chemical fertilizer use across blocks, with a zero demand

for Rupsho-Puga and Singaylalok blocks , and the

highest in Leh, Chuchot, Kharu and Turtuk blocks.

Farmers closer to Leh town are more likely to apply

inorganic fertilizer. Of the chemical fertilizers

distributed in Leh Ladakh, urea has emerged as the most

favourite chemical nutrient. There is rich potential for

adoption of organic farming in Leh district as the practice

of inorganic agriculture is not that rigorous as compared

to that in other parts of the country. While the national

average for fertilizer use during 2016-17 was 123 kg/ha,

it was only 52.1 kg/ha in Leh district during 2017-18.

This auger well for agriculture in Leh in terms of the

already low levels of consumption of hazardous

chemicals and, therefore, the chances of succeeding in

motivating the farmers to adopt organic agriculture are

quite high.

Table 5: Year wise chemical fertilizer use in Leh District (Unit Quintal)

Year Urea DAP MOP Total

2018 2884 2296 147 5,327

2017 3100 3099 25 6,224

2016 3100 3000 49 6,149

2015 3634 2705 81 6,420

2014 3498 2922 83 6,503

2013 3606 3378 107 7,091

2012 3689 3489 142 7,320

2011 3547 3177 10 6,734

2010 3735 3341 165 7,241

2009 4058 3187 119 7,364

2008 3660 2719 75 6,454

2007 3748 2965 01 6,714

2006 3710 2626 08 6,344

2005 3537 2566 10 6,113

2004 3570 2430 68 6,068

2003 2296 1842 Nil 4,138

2002 3756 2245 32 6,033

2001 4003 2035 71 6,109

2000 3693 1894 Nil 5,587

1999 5542 2352 08 7,902

1998 7055 2830 55 9,940

1997 4310 1563 106 5,979

1996 4567 1345 01 5,913

1995 5814 1809 19 7,642

1994 3741 1034 13 4,788

1993 3544 594 33 4,171

1992 4369 2237 90 6,696

1991 4175 2157 52 6,384

1990 3537 1795 37 5,369



Table 6: Cost incurred on purchase of chemical fertilizer in Leh District (Rupees)

Year Fertilizer cost Transportation cost Other costs Total cost

2018 83,31,124/- 9,84,099/- 5,37,885/- 98,53,108/-

2017 83,58,482/- 8,57,679/- 5,62,500/- 97,78,669/-

2016 97,99,950/- 10,16,900/- 5,62,500/- 1,13,79,350/-

Table 7: Use of chemical fertilizer in different Blocks during the last three years (2016-18) (Unit: Quintals)

Name of Block 2016 2017 2018

Chuchot 847 793 723

Diskit 487.5 493.5 412.5

Durbuk 431.5 431.5 396

Khalsi 119 128.5 152.5

Kharu 840.5 710.5 605

Leh + Leh town 889.5 1294.5 1059

Nimoo 424 374 299

Nyoma 50 50 53.5

Panamik 190.5 185.5 154

Rong-Chumathang 221 221 146.75

Rupsho-Puga Nil Nil Nil

Saspol 270.5 295.5 245

Singaylalok Nil Nil Nil

Skurbuchan 195.5 152 129.5

Thiksey 495 398 331

Turtuk 680 780 591.5

Insecticide and herbicide use

Data available with Agriculture Department and

Horticulture Department, LAHDC Leh shows low use of

insecticides i.e 980.7 litre in 2018 and 535 litre

consumption of herbicide. There has been considerable

variation in pesticide use across blocks, with Durbuk,

Nyoma, Rong-Chumathang, Rupsho-Puga and

Singaylalok blocks showing zero demand, and Panamik,

Khalsi, Skurbuchan and Turtuk blocks showing the

highest. It is to be noted that there are a total of 34 villages

across Leh district in which no chemical fertilizer and

pesticides have ever been used. The amount of pesticide

use in Leh district is low as compared to that of national

average. While the national average consumption of

pesticide during 2014-15 was 0.29 kg/ha, it was only

0.096 kg/ha in Leh district.

Table 8: Insecticide and herbicide use in different Blocks of Leh district for the year 2017-18 (Unit: litre)

Horticulture DepttTotal

Agriculture DepttName of Block Herbicide

Insecticides

Chuchot 36 05 Nil 41

Diskit 54 15 25 94

Durbuk Nil Nil Nil 0

Khalsi 60.5 200 Nil 260.5

Kharu 83 02 Nil 85

Leh 43 10 Nil 53



Table 8: Insecticide and herbicide use in different Blocks of Leh district for the year 2017-18 (Unit: litre)

Horticulture DepttTotal

Agriculture DepttName of Block Herbicide

Insecticides

Nimoo 53 10 Nil 63

Nyoma Nil Nil Nil 0

Panamik 50 05 460 515

Rong-Chumathang Nil Nil Nil 0

Rupsho-Puga Nil Nil Nil 0

Saspol 8.7 05 Nil 13.7

Singaylalok Nil Nil Nil 0

Skurbuchan 8.5 200 Nil 208.5

Thiksey 51 08 Nil 59

Turtuk 42 15 50 107

Leh town 06 10 Nil 16

TOTAL 495.7 485.0 535 1515.7

Livestock

Farmers mostly practice mixed farming where livestock

is reared as an integral part of the system for food and

manure. There has been considerable variation in

number of livestock across blocks, with Nyoma,

Rupsho-Puga and Durbuk showing the highest number,

and Leh, Thiksey and Rong-Chumathang showing the

lowest.

Table 9: Livestock population in Leh district

Chuchot 4218 0 81 374 15351 3468 1315 24807

Diskit 6129 2092 147 664 0 6010 8269 23311

Durbuk 2866 4272 1274 145 0 10176 35438 54171

Khalsi 2188 585 15 1348 13 2928 1618 8695

Kharu 5134 863 150 140 0 1125 4338 11750

Leh 2372 1 14 272 0 617 260 3536

Nimoo 2760 183 316 275 0 1744 643 5921

Nyoma 1097 2041 936 97 0 15811 40055 60037

Panamik 4613 2 76 225 0 2087 1836 8839

Rong-Chumathang 1418 533 79 118 0 380 1283 3811

Rupsho-Puga 154 6437 956 133 0 18877 32211 58768

Saspol 1415 85 24 132 0 423 33 2112

Singaylalok 3996 1284 317 1165 0 2738 1812 11312

Skurbuchan 1403 58 12 180 0 2256 1595 5504

Thiksey 2261 10 10 87 0 507 150 3025

Turtuk 1590 218 816 708 0 1394 3229 7955

Leh Town 1767 57 98 14 0 78 47 2061

TOTAL 45381 18721 5321 6077 15364 70619 134132 295615

Name of Block Cattle Zho, Zomos,Yak

Pony Donkey Poultry Sheep Goat Total



Weakness

i. T h e c o l d d e s e r t r e g i o n s u f f e r e d f r o m

inaccessibility especially during winter months.

Due to vast area, not all villages are well connected.

ii. The harsh climatic conditions limits the cropping

season to one crop season only.

iii. Due to low precipitation, cultivation is conned to

areas that can be irrigated.

iv. There is a limited area under fodder cultivation and

grassland for livestock rearing.

v. Damage caused by spring frost is a major problem

in cold desert region.

vi. Restrictions on the movement of apple and apricot

from Ladakh are a major hindrance for

development of fruit industry in the region.

vii. Weak processing and value addition infrastructure.

viii. Poor value-chain and unorganized trading of

agricultural produce.

Opportunities

i. As a result of rising temperature and improved

agro-practices, the areas in cold desert that are not

suitable for cultivation few decades back are

emerging as the potential areas to grow high

quality fruit and vegetable crops.

ii. Seabuckthorn, an ideal plant for cold desert, can be

grown on large scale for income generation and

ecological benets. The resource has not been

tapped fully in the region.

iii. New crops are being introduced in the region by

several R&D organizations and agriculture

universities. This will broaden the crop base of the

region.

iv. Farm produce and wild harvest can be certied as

organic produce to fetch higher price to augment

the farmers income.

v. Development of value added products has not yet

been explored in the region.

vi. Value addition of animal based products, such as

pashmina and A2 milk, has immense potential to

1.3 SWOT analysis of agriculture in Leh Ladakh

Strength

i. The cold desert region is endowed with agro-

climatic conditions that are conducive to grow

several high value crops such as apple, apricot,

seabuckthorn, buckwheat.

ii. There are vast tracts of cultivable waste land that

can be used for horizontal expansion of area for

agriculture.

iii. There are plenty of water resources such as

glaciers, streams and rivers that have not been

tapped in the region. If used judiciously, the water

resources can substantially augment area under

crop cultivation.

iv. The application of conventional agrochemicals

(fertilizers and pesticides) is relatively limited.

While the national average consumption of

fertilizer during 2016-17 was 123 kg/ha, it was

only 52.1 kg/ha in Leh district during 2017-18

v. The intensity of pesticide use in Leh district is low

as compared to that of national average. While the

national average consumption of pesticide during

2014-15 was 0.29 kg/ha, it was 0.096 kg/ha in Leh

district in 2017-18.

vi. The region is known for its Pashmina goat. The

district has the highest number of Yak population in

the country.

vii. Incidences of insect pests and diseases are less in

cold arid region.

viii. Large number of tourists (over 3 lakh tourists in

2018), and heavy deployment of army in the region

serves as a ready market for local produce.

ix. There are three research institutes (Defence

Institute of High Altitude Research of DRDO;

Regional Station of Sher-e-Kashmir University of

Agricultural Science and Technology-K and

regional station of Central Arid Zone Research

Institute), which focus on location specic

research.

x. Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council

(LAHDC) Leh has accorded high priority to

agriculture development in the district, next to

education.



change livelihood of the farmers of the region.

vii. Agro-ecotourism is a growing niche sector

globally, and this market mechanism has

considerable potential in Ladakh. Ladakh is

regarded as one of the elite travel destinations in

the world, enjoying a reputation for authenticity,

remoteness and a well-protected living cultural

heritage and a thriving natural environment.

viii. Army and tourists serves as potential consumer of

local produce.

ix. The climatic condition of the region offers

opportunities for production of high quality niche

products for export.

Threats

i. The ongoing process of globalization poses threat

to farm produce of the region. Farmers may get

lesser price for their produce, unless it is sold as

'premium produce' of Ladakh.

ii. Due to mountainous topography and unpredictable

weather such as unexpected heavy snowfall, there

is a limited time period for supply of critical inputs.

iii. Outbreaks of new insect pests such as locust and

defoliating caterpillar (Euproctis spp.) have been

witnessed in recent years, posing a threat to

agricultural system in the region.

iv. In recent years a trend in migration of people from

villages to Leh town has been observed due to

economic reasons. Agricultural elds are being

abandoned.


Ladakh remained organic by default based on the inherent traditional farming system and remoteness, which provides a strong foundation for organic agriculture development. Farmers mostly practice mixed farming where livestock is reared as an integral part of the system for food and manure. The use of chemical fertilizers is among the lowest in the country and the use

of plant protection chemicals is also low. An analysis of the data shows that 34 villages do not use inorganic fertilizers. This situation presents a huge potential to promote organic farming, both for increased and sustainable food production as well as for enhanced income for the farmers.

Chapter 2

Organic Farming in Leh Ladakh : Status & Mission

Table 10: Organic villages that do not use chemical fertilizer and pesticides during last three years and beyond

Name of Block Name of the Total cropped Number of village area (Ha) livestockDurbuk Chushul 45 17465 Kargyam 37 17432Khalsi Kanji 30 1892 Khaltsi 75.5 465 Lamayuru 68.4 3059 Leh Dho 46.4 414 Skindiang 22 324 Takmachik 115.9 503 Tia 164.4 932Nimoo Cheling Sumda 28.2 427 Rumbak 38 231 Skiumarkha 61.5 1830 Taru 60.3 341 Umla 12.1 146Nyoma Anlay 105 31530 Demjok 7 3160 Kuyul 28 9750 Mood 47 8042Rong-Chumathang Karay 29.6 230 Skitmang 18.2 193 Tarchid 32.1 212Rupsho-Puga Kharnak 9 14961 Karzok 21 13451 Samad Rokchan 2 30356Saspol Giramangu 41.8 320 Saspochey 32.5 258 Tarhipti 20.1 201Singaylalok Photoksar 34 1774 Lingshed 91 7167 Wanla 141.9 1556 Youlchung 35 815Skurbuchan Dha 181.5 634 Hanoo 177.7 3146 Skurbuchan 328.6 892



Organic farming is a holistic food production management system, which promote and enhance

agro ecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycle and soil biological activity. It

emphasis the use of management practices in preference to the use of off-farm inputs, taking into

account that regional condition require locally adapted system. This is accomplished by using,

where possible, agronomic, biological and mechanical methods, as opposed to using synthetic

materials, to fulll any specic function within the system.

Need of Organic Farming in Leh LadakhSubsistence farming is practiced traditionally, and the region has been self-sufcient till 1960s. However, in the wake of modernization and the use of chemical fertilizer, the fragile ecosystem of the region has been threatened. Besides, it also degrades the fertility of the soil of the tiny agricultural elds that we have. Farm produce of Ladakh are considered as par with that of rest of the country, which makes our produce a 'commodity' rather than a 'premium produce'.VisionTo transform agriculture in Leh Ladakh into a sustainable, remunerative, respectable occupation and to enable the farmers to reap the benets of dynamic market opportunitiesMissionn To bring organic farming into mainstream

agricultural production systemn To enable organic farmers of the District realize 30

to 40% additional income by leverage the demand

of organic marketn To improve the quality of organic food by

extending suppor t to inves tors for the

establishment of necessary supply chain and

infrastructure facilities to process and marketn To safeguard the interest of the consumers by

putting in place suitable regulatory measures

TargetTo certify Leh as Organic Farming District by 2025.Objectivesn Make farming more rewarding, sustainable and

respectablen Reduction in risk of health ailments, including

cancer cases, associated with chemicalsn Doubling the farmers' income by production of

off-season organic farm produce, and facilitating

value addition to organic produce n Supply of organic farm produce to army stationed

in Ladakh Sectorn Promotion of winter cultivation in cold desertn Stop import of toxic farm produce into Ladakhn Promotion of sustainable eco-tourism through

Organic Village conceptn Conservation of traditional farming systemn Create investment environment for organic

agribusiness to provide employment to rural

youthsn Stop migration of people from villages to Leh town

for economic reasonn To enable farmers to mitigate and adapt to the

climate changen Conservation of the fragile trans-Himalayan

ecosystem

Table 11 : Mission Target

Year

2019

Target villages/ crop for organic certication Remarks

Villages

Anlay, Cheling Sumda, Chushul, Demjok, Dha, Giramangu, Hanoo, Kanji, Kargyam, Korzok, Karay, Khaltsi, Kharnak, Koyul, Lamayuru, Leh Dho, Lingshed, Mood, Photoksar, Rumbak, Samad Rokchan, Saspochey, Skindiang, Skitmang, Skiumarkha, Skurbuchan, Takmachik, Tarchid, Tarhipti, Taru, Tia, Umla, Wanla, Youlchung

Crop

Seabuckthorn

These includes villages and major crops in which chemical fertilizers and pesticides have not been used during last three years or more.



2023

2025

Changa, Chemshan Charasa, Chulungkha, Diger, Domkhar, Gia, Hemis, Himya, Hundar Dok, Hundari, Igoo, Khalsar, Khardong, Khema Khungru, Khemi, Kubed, Kyungyam, Lakjung, Largiab, Langokor, Liktse, Martselang, Miru, Panamik, Partapur, Phey, Phuktse, Ranbirpura, Shang, Shara, Sharnose, Skampuk, Skuru, Tangyar, Terchey, Teri, Tukla, Udmaru, Upshi, Warisstan

Alchi, Basgo, Bogdang, Chemday, Choglamsar, Chuchot Gongma, Chuchot Shamma, Chuchot Yokma, Chumathang, Diskit, Durbuk, Hemis-Shukpachan, Hundar, Kharu, Leh town, Likir, Matho, Man Pangong, Nang, Nay, Nimoo, Nurla, Nyoma, Phyang, Saboo, Sakti, Saspol, Shashukul, Shey, Spituk, Stakna, Stok, Sumoor, Takshi, Tangtse, Temisgam, Thang, Thiksey, Tiggar, Turtuk

These include villages where use of chemical fertilizer and pesticides is low (less than 5 MT/year)

These include villages where use of chemical fertilizer is above 5 MT/year

Organic farming aim to create integrated, humane, environmentally and economically

sustainable production system, which maximize reliance on farm-driven renewable resources

and the management of ecological and biological processes and interactions so as to provide

acceptable level of crop, livestock and human nutrition, protection from pest and diseases, and

an appropriate return to the human and other resources

Our Strengths in Adoption of Organic Farming

n Ladakh remained organic by default based on the inherent traditional farming system and remoteness.

n The total agricultural land is just 10,223 ha i.e 0.2% of the geographical area. Hence it is manageable to certify the district as organic.

n Incidence of insect pest is minimal in the region.

n Only 533 MT chemical fertilizer has been used in the district during 2017-18. The intensity of inorganic agriculture here is not that severe compared to that in other parts of the country. While the national average consumption of fertilizer during 2016-17 was 123 kg/ha, it was only 52 kg/ha in Leh district.

n Chemical fertilizer and pesticides have never been used in 34 villages. The intensity of pesticide use in Leh district is very low as compared to that of national average. While the national average consumption of pesticide during 2014-15 was 0.29 kg/ha, it was only 0.096 kg/ha in Leh district.

n There are no privately owned chemical fertilizer and pesticide sale outlets in the District. Chemical fertilizer is being made available to the farmers only through Cooperative Department of LAHDC, Leh. Similarly, small quantities of pesticides are made available only through State Agriculture and Horticulture Departments.

n Economically important wild plants, such as Seabuckthorn, have not been exposed to the chemical fertilizer.

n Being a tourist destination, promotion of organic farming will bring quick economic returns. Agro-ecotourism is a growing niche sector globally, and this market mechanism has considerable potential in Ladakh.

n There is a general perception that 'local' produce of Ladakh are signicantly healthier than imported ones.

n Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Leh has accorded high priority to organic farming in the district.


The mission to convert Leh into an organic district is to be achieved focusing on potential crops, livestock and areas in a phased and compact manner with the aim of certifying the district as organic by 2025.

Over the years, a number of policy statements by the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) have explicitly announced a support for organic farming in Leh Ladakh. This indicates signicant political will to move towards going organic. The following strategies and action plan is suggested for planning and implementation of Ladakh Organic Farming Policy:

3.1 Declaration of Mission Organic Development Initiative of Ladakh

a. Declaration and launch of the Mission Organic Development Initiative of Ladakh upon receiving of nancial support from the Union Government.

b. Reform agriculture and allied sector policies to bring these in line with Ladakh Organic Farming Policy.

3.2 Constitution of committees for implementation of the mission

a. District Level Apex Committee: It will be a policy making body giving overall direction and guidance. The committee will be chaired by Hon’ble Chief Executive Councillor, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh.

b. District Level Steering Committee: The committee will provide guidance, review and monitor implementation of the programmes of Ladakh Organic Mission. The committee will be chaired by Chief Executive Ofcer, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh.

c. Ladakh Organic Mission: It will be the nodal agency for implementation of the programme of organic farming in the

District. It will also introduce, promote and adopt appropriate technologies for organic crop production, protection, processing, branding and marketing of organic products of the District.

3.3 Constitution of Technical Advisory Committees and its recommendation

a. Constitute a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) to support Ladakh Organic Mission on technical matters.

3.4 Phase manner reduction in supply of chemical fertilizers and pesticides

a. Reduce purchase of chemical fertilizer and pesticides from Government of India quota at the rate of 20% per year.

b. Subsidy on chemical fertilizer and pesticide to be reduced at the rate of 20% every year to make these inputs costlier.

c. Request concern authorities not to issue trade license for trading of fertilizers and pesticides in the district.

d. Request Transport Department not to allow transportation of fertilizers and pesticides from outside the District.

3.5 Alternatives to compensate the reduction in supply of chemical fertilizers and pesticides

a. Purchase alternative certied organic manures and biopesticides, and make it available to farmers.

b. Promote integrated farming among the villagers. Advocate keeping 6 cows by each household having 1 ha agricultural land.

c. Provide incentives for establishment of large number of composting units.

d. Ban burning of organic matters, which can be utilized as manure.

Chapter 3

Strategies and Action Plan


Organic Farming In Leh Ladakh : Status & Mission

e. Establish a system to produce organic

manure from biodegradable organic waste

segregated at source.

f. Provide incentives for increasing area under

fodder/ grassland, and rearing of farm

animals.

g. Encourage people to continue to use

traditional composting toilet in which

human waste is converted into organic

manure to enrich the soil.

h. Provide incentives for establishment of

passive solar greenhouse for early crop

production and winter cultivation of diverse

horticultural crops, other than leafy

vegetables. Increase in temperature will

compensate for yield reduction, if any, due

to discontinuation of chemical fertilizers.

3.6 Capacity building for farmers, implementing

ofcials, and agencies

a. Conduct orientation, training and exposure

visit programmes.

b. Develop model villages where every

household are trained in all facets of organic

farm management to assist farmers in

organic farming.

3.7 Organic seed and planting material

a. Purchase seed and planting materials from

organic villages within Ladakh

b. Required quantity of seeds of cereals,

pulses, oilseed, selected vegetables should

be produced locally by adopting seed village

concept.

c. Establish privately owned organic nurseries

o f f r u i t c r o p s i n t h e D i s t r i c t

under the supervision of Horticulture

Department.

3.8 Feed and fodder

a. Restrict feeding of chemical products to

livestock, which are not permissible under

organic norms.

b. Provide support to farmers for feed and

fodder.

c. Increase area under fodder to generate

sufcient quantity of fodder to meet the

requirement.

3.9 Crop planning

a. In order to get high economic return from

the small agricultural land holding, there is a

need to adopt cluster approach to produce

high value crops in bulk.

b. In view of diverse agro-climatic condition

within the District, there is a need to adopt

one village one crop concept. This enables

easy monitoring, production, marketing etc.

The crop can be rotated in distantly located

vil lages with similar agro-climatic

conditions.

3.10 Livestock planning

a. In order to ensure sufcient organic matter

for agricultural elds and income generation

from livestock, there is a need to plan

diverse livestock in every village.

b. Promote community-based livestock

rearing, management and shed.

c. Provide incentives for shepherd at village

and community level.

3.11 Food processing and value addition

a. In view of restrictions on the movement of

apple and apricot from Ladakh, special

emphasis should be given to development of

processing units in the region.

b. Majority of the high value produce, such as

pashmina and Seabuckthorn, are being sold

as unnished product. Value addition need

to be done in the region, and promoted as

unique product of Ladakh.

3.12 Model organic village and model farm concept

a. Demonstrate all organic technologies in the

villages by adopting selected villages as

model organic village. These can be

subsequently replicated elsewhere based on

lessons learnt from the pilot models.

b. Atleast two Government farms should be

developed as model organic farm displaying

al l organic technologies including



production of organic inputs for nutrient

management, pest and disease management

etc.

c. All research farms in the district should

be converted to organic management

systems, and thus becoming a eld study

centre for students, farmers and people’s

representatives.

3.13 Organic certication

a. Initiate case for organic certication of 34

villages in the rst phase, where chemical

fertilizers and pesticides have not been used

during last three years or beyond.

b. Initiate case for organic certication of wild

harvest, such as Seabuckthorn, in the rst

phase.

c. Organic certication should be done

through Participatory Guarantee System

(PGS) as well as through Third Party

Certication. PGS is a cheaper means, while

Third Party Certication is costly.

d. Ensure that all organic farmers are given

certicates for organic farming free of cost.

3.14 Publicity and campaign for organic farming

a. Begin mass awareness program for the

promotion of organic farming focusing on

the benets of organic farming and harmful

effects of chemical-based farming.

b. Place Bill Boards in prominent places and

national highways showcasing organic

farming in Ladakh, targeting both the

farmers and tourists

c. Encourage hotels and restaurants to promote

organic food to customers, especially the

tourists

d. Encourage army to buy organic farm

produce for its troops stationed in Ladakh,

when it is locally available.

e. Organize Organic Food festival during

tourist season

3.15 Branding with brand Organic Ladakh logo

a. All certied organic produce of Ladakh to

be marketed under a single brand name and

logo.

3.16 Promote farm level processing, value addition

a. Encourage farm processing by farmers

group, SHGs and Farmer Producer

Companies for value addition.

b. Provide special incentives for setting up

organic food processing.

3.17 Markets, value chains, and trade

a. Leh domestic market is small, challenging

place to do business. There is a need to look

beyond domestic market.

b. Facilitate establishment of Organic Farmer

Producer Companies.

c. Augment the role of private sector in organic

farming to play the crucial role in nancing

and developing the organic supply chain.

d. NGOs have important role in promoting

organic products for domestic consumption

through consumer awareness campaign.

e. Augmenting the role of banking and

nancial services sector be become the core

strategist for marketing of organic farm

products.

3.18 Sale of organic produce only

a. Allow sale of only organic farm produce,

when it is locally available.

3.19 Budgetary provisions for Organic Mission

a. Implementation of mission requires

additional funds. There is a need for

adequa te budge ta ry p rov i s ions to

implement and sustain organic farming in

Leh district.

3.20 Dedicated research backup

a. Agro-practices for organic farming in cold

desert Ladakh is different from rest of the

country. Therefore, area specic solutions

are required for sustainable organic farming

in the region.



b. Research institutes in Leh such as Defence

Institute of High Altitude Research

(DIHAR), Regional Station of Sher-e-

Kashmir of Agricul ture Science &

Technology, Regional Station of Central

Arid Zone Research Institute may be asked

to develop organic package of practices, and

provide research backup. Research farms

also need to be declared fully organic.

3.21 Internet and social media

a. Explore internet and the social media for

dissemination of information to the farmers.

b. Create smart and dedicated multi-lingual

websites that inter-alia facilitate interactive

sessions between farmers and experts

including other stakeholders.

c. Use social media to keep a tab on the trends

and practices in organic farming elsewhere

in the country.

3.22 Implementation

a. The mission to convert Leh into an organic

district will be achieved focusing on

potential crops, livestock and areas in a

phase manner with the aim of certifying the

district as organic by 2025.

b. Involve all the agencies related to

agriculture and animal husbandry (State

Departments, research institutes and NGOs

for implementation of the Organic Mission

program.

c. Assign cluster of villages to each of the

agencies for implementation of the program.

All support to the cluster to be made

available through the nodal agency. Assign

responsibility and give due recognition for

the success of the program.


Chapter 4

Key Issues and Suggested Solutions for Ladakh Organic Mission

4.1. Stakeholder perception of organic farming

Issue: There are signicant variations in stakeholder

perceptions of what organic farming actually entailed. A

majority of farmers assumed that organic farming simply

means weaning off chemical fertilizer and pesticides and

switching to farmyard manure. This reected overall

poor awareness amongst the stockholders in Leh district

of the need for the range of interventions including

integrated soil health, nutrient management, and

agronomic practices to achieve good quality organic

produce. While most stakeholders were generally aware

of organic farming, this understanding was limited to

cereals and horticultural crops. Stakeholders had

virtually no understanding of the implications of going

organic in the livestock sector. There is also a widespread

perception that organic farming is more expensive than

conventional farming, and thus not desirable. There was

a widespread perception that the switch to organic

farming reduces production and that productivity will

drop as compared to conventional agriculture.

Suggested solutions: Training of extension workers and

creating awareness among the stakeholders based on

empirical data is required. Reality of organic farming

needs to be showcased by developing model organic

farms. NGOs have important role in promoting organic

farming through consumer awareness campaign.

4.2. Limited availability of organic manures

Issue: Ladakh is a cold desert. The forest cover is just 2.9 2km (i.e 0.064% of geographical area of Leh district). The

area under fodder is only 2290 ha, and livestock

population is 2,95,615. Therefore, there will be a

shortage of bulk organic manures for the organic

mission. This is one of the key factors inhibiting organic

farming.

Suggested solutions: Promote integrated farming

among the villagers. Advocate keeping at least 6 cows by

each household having 1 ha agricultural land. Promote

community-based livestock rearing and management.

Revive the traditional Rarzee system of rearing of sheep

and goat. Establish a system to produce organic manure

from biodegradable organic waste segregated at source.

Ban burning of all organic materials which could be

utilized as manure.

4.3. Limited agricultural land

Issue: Despite having a huge geographical land, over

62% households have less than 1 ha agricultural land.

Water has been the limiting factor for expansion of area

for agricultural purpose.

Suggested solutions: Part of the areas adjoining rivers

can be converted into agricultural land. Technologies are

available for water lifting and judicious waste use.

4.4. Limited organic farm produce

Issue: In view of the climatic condition of the region, not

all crops can be grown in the region. It is difcult to grow

diverse vegetables during winter months.

Suggested solutions: Encourage farmers to grow high

value off-season crops that can be successfully grown in

the region. Provide incentives to farmers to adopt

improvised greenhouses such as DIHAR Greenhouse

where diverse crops can be grown even during winter

months.

4.5. Shift from traditional dry toilet to Western

toilet

Issue: Traditional composting toilet does not require

water, and the human waste is converted into organic

manure to enrich the soil. However, off-late Western

toilets are being used extensively. It consumes large

quantity of water and the human waste is not available for

use as organic matter.


Strategies and Action Plan

Suggested solutions: Encourage people to continue to

use traditional composting toilets. If required, the

traditional system can be improvised to have aesthetic

look and faster composting system.

4.6. Trend in rural outmigration

Issue: In recent years a trend has emerged in rural

outmigration, partially driven by improved education,

improved social services, and job opportunities in Leh

town from villages. This has resulted in agriculture lands

being abandoned.

Suggested solution: Promote organic farming as an

economically viable option for livelihood in rural areas.

4.7. Markets, value chains, and trade

Issue: Markets, value chains, and trade-related issues are

the most critical areas of an organic agenda. There is an

absence of price premiums for organic produce. Local

market is small, challenging place to do business.

Suggested solution: These are the critical issues that

need to be addressed so that growers get a commensurate

return for their organic produce. There is a need to look

beyond the local market. Private sector has a

considerable role to play in nancing for and developing

organic supply chain. In fact, the private sector including

the banking and nancial services providers can play the

role of core strategist in marketing and export of organic

products. NGOs have an important role to play in

promoting organic products for local consumption

through consumer awareness campaign. NGOs can also

promote the organic products of Leh district among their

counterparts outside the region. They can also help in

marketing campaigns at trade fairs, exhibitions and

sensitizing at NGO forums. The social media is also

needed to be exploited fully in promotion and marketing

of organic farm products.

Overview of the Agriculture Sector in Leh Ladakh

Documents