Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Nyoma, under the University of Ladakh (UoL), in collaboration with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), organised the 8th Kisan Mela and Exhibition 2026 at Nyoma on September 9.

The event provided a platform to showcase agricultural achievements, technological interventions, innovative farming practices, crop diversification opportunities and market-oriented initiatives suited to the unique high-altitude, cold-arid conditions of the Changthang region.

Prof. (Dr.) Saket Kushwaha, Vice Chancellor, University of Ladakh, attended the event as the Chief Guest. Tsewang Phuntsog, Director, Department of Horticulture, and Dr. Maheshwar Singh, Associate Director Research, SAST Leh, attended as Guests of Honour.

The event was also attended by Ishey Spalzang, former LAHDC Councillor, Nyoma; Dr. Shakeel Ahmad, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer; Dr. Sonam Dawa, District Horticulture Officer, Leh; Dr. Kunzang Lamo, Scientist, KVK Leh; Dr. Tsewang Dolma, Sheep Husbandry Department; and Nawang Palkit, AEO Nyoma, besides officials from various departments, farmers, KVK staff, students, local residents and other stakeholders.

Dr. Phuntsog Tundup, Head, KVK Nyoma, welcomed the dignitaries and participants and presented traditional khataks as a mark of respect and hospitality.

On the occasion, the annual booklet of KVK Nyoma was also released. The publication highlights the Kendra’s major achievements, interventions, extension activities, farmer-oriented programmes and contributions towards strengthening agricultural development and livelihood opportunities in the challenging cold-arid environment of Changthang.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Rigzen Tsewang, Business Development Manager, APEDA, emphasised the importance of developing market linkages, promoting value addition, strengthening post-harvest management and exploring domestic as well as export opportunities for indigenous agricultural commodities produced in Changthang and other parts of Ladakh.

He highlighted that improved value chains, quality standards, packaging, branding and market connectivity can enhance economic returns for farmers and increase the commercial potential of locally produced commodities.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Saket Kushwaha urged farmers to adopt diversified and innovative agricultural practices and gradually reduce dependence on mono-cropping to strengthen farm-based livelihoods and improve resilience under the region’s challenging agro-climatic conditions.

He particularly emphasised the potential of mushroom cultivation as an alternative and remunerative agricultural enterprise, noting its scope to generate additional income while promoting efficient utilisation of available resources and contributing to improved soil health.

The Vice Chancellor also encouraged farmers to make greater use of scientific technologies, improved agricultural practices and institutional support available through KVKs and other concerned departments.

Officials from the Departments of Horticulture, Animal Husbandry and Sheep Husbandry briefed farmers about various government schemes, subsidies, technical support programmes and welfare initiatives available to agricultural and pastoral communities, including interventions related to sheep husbandry.

The Kisan Mela and Exhibition provided a platform for interaction among farmers, scientists, government departments and other stakeholders, with discussions focusing on agricultural productivity, crop diversification, value addition, entrepreneurship and market-oriented farming in Changthang.