The first-ever District Level Livestock Show/Mela, organised by the Sheep Husbandry Department, Leh under the National Livestock Mission (NLM) 2025–26, was held at the Panchayat Centre, Chuchot Yokma on December 6. The event brought together livestock rearers from across the district to showcase superior breeds of sheep and goats, marking a significant milestone for the region’s pastoral community.

The mela was graced by Rudra Goud (PT), IAS, Secretary, Animal, Sheep Husbandry & Fisheries/Industries, as the Chief Guest, accompanied by Dr. Iftikhar Hussain, Director, Sheep Husbandry UT Ladakh; Dr. Mohammad Ismail, Director, Animal Husbandry UT Ladakh; Dr. Tsewang Morup, District Sheep Husbandry Officer, Leh; Dr. Tundup Namgail, Deputy Director, Pashmina Goat Farm, Upshi; Dr. Shakil Ahmed, Livestock Development Officer, Chuchot; and other senior officers of the department.

Welcoming attendees, Dr. Tsewang Morup extended greetings to the Secretary, dignitaries, officers, and villagers.

Dr. Mohammad Ismail briefed participants on departmental schemes, livestock benefits, subsidies, and application procedures. Dr. Iftikhar Hussain thanked the participants and the Chief Guest for their support and highlighted ongoing schemes, future initiatives, and the challenges faced by livestock rearers, particularly during harsh winters.

Chief Guest Rudra Goud interacted extensively with villagers and emphasised the importance of fodder cultivation, livestock development, and fisheries growth. He encouraged farmers to adopt successful practices implemented at the Kargil Fisheries Farm.

Villagers also raised several key concerns, including:
•    Shortage of feed due to irregular rainfall
•    Rising stray dog attacks on sheep and goats
•    Need for financial support to construct animal sheds
•    Reduction in feed subsidies
•    A request for an exposure tour for Chuchot Ama Tsogspa to learn best practices and promote local livestock-based products

The event saw enthusiastic participation from livestock rearers who showcased high-quality sheep and goat breeds nurtured under Ladakh’s traditional pastoral system. A dedicated Judgment Committee evaluated entries based on breed characteristics, health, conformation, and management practices.

Awards were presented to the best three sheep and best three goats, along with ten consolation prizes and participation mementos in each category to encourage broader involvement and motivate farmers to adopt improved livestock-rearing practices.

Throughout the mela, the Secretary and departmental officers visited livestock stalls, interacted with farmers, and reviewed entries from all participating villages.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Tundup Namgail, Deputy Director, Pashmina Goat Farm, Upshi, who appreciated the collective efforts of participants, organisers, and field staff in making the inaugural livestock show in Chuchot a grand success.