The All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Poultry Breeding, ICAR-Leh Centre, High Altitude Livestock Research Institute (HALRI), organised a one-day workshop on "Poultry Farming in High Altitude Areas of Ladakh: Sustainable Practices and Farmers' Empowerment" at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kargil, on July 25 to promote sustainable poultry farming and strengthen rural livelihoods in the region.

The programme was held under the patronage of Vice Chancellor, University of Ladakh, Prof. Saket Kushwaha. Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd. Jaffer Akhoon, attended the workshop as the Chief Guest, while Executive Councillor for Agriculture and Horticulture, Syed Agha Mujtaba, was the Guest of Honour.

Among those present were Prof. Feroz Din Sheikh, Principal Coordinator, AICRP on Poultry Breeding; the Head of KVK Kargil; scientists from AICRP, KVK Leh and KVK Kargil; officials; progressive farmers; and beneficiaries.

The programme began with a welcome address by Dr. Sabiya Asmat, Subject Matter Specialist, KVK Leh, followed by a presentation on the achievements and ongoing research under the AICRP on Poultry Breeding.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Feroz Din Sheikh said the project focuses on identifying and promoting location-specific poultry breeds capable of thriving in Ladakh's harsh climatic conditions. He informed that the Vanaraja breed has shown excellent performance in terms of body weight and egg production, while field trials of the Him Samridhi breed, developed by the Palampur Centre, have produced encouraging results. He added that, in the initial phase, 320 birds have been distributed among KVK Kargil, SAS&T and 12 selected farmers for further evaluation.

The Head of KVK Kargil thanked the CEC for his continued support to the farming community and informed that beneficiaries were selected based on socio-economic criteria to ensure the scheme benefits deserving families.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Saket Kushwaha appreciated the efforts of Dr. Feroz Din Sheikh and the research team for achieving significant progress within a short period. He identified poultry feed as one of the major challenges for poultry farming in Ladakh and stressed the need to establish a feed mill in the region. Describing poultry farming as a "living bank," he said it provides financial security while contributing to household nutrition and food security.

CEC Dr. Mohd. Jaffer Akhoon emphasised the importance of livestock products in ensuring balanced nutrition and said Ladakh must preserve and strengthen its traditional organic farming practices. He urged scientists and research institutions to continue developing innovative technologies and livestock practices suited to the region's unique climatic conditions.

The CEC appreciated AICRP for organising the workshop, stating that such knowledge-sharing platforms promote innovation, collaboration and capacity building among farmers. He reiterated LAHDC Kargil's commitment to supporting livestock-based enterprises through subsidised schemes, revolving funds and other government initiatives.

Highlighting the success of fish farming in Kargil, Dr. Akhoon said nearly 120 fish farming units have been established in the district, demonstrating the growing potential of alternative livelihood opportunities. He encouraged unemployed youth, women and economically weaker families to take advantage of government-supported farming schemes and called for more awareness programmes in remote villages across Ladakh.

Executive Councillor Syed Agha Mujtaba appreciated the organisers for conducting a useful programme and expressed hope that similar training and awareness initiatives would be organised on a larger scale to empower farmers and rural youth.

Addressing participants, Prof. Saket Kushwaha reaffirmed the University of Ladakh's commitment to supporting farmers and entrepreneurs through research, training and extension services. He said such initiatives improve household incomes, reduce living costs and strengthen the rural economy. He also urged beneficiaries to stay connected with KVKs and concerned departments to avail technical guidance, subsidies, veterinary support and other government facilities.

During the technical session, experts from KVK Leh and KVK Kargil delivered presentations on sustainable poultry farming, breed improvement, nutrition, disease management, chick rearing and livelihood enhancement in Ladakh's high-altitude conditions. Dr. Feroz Khan Sheikh, Head, KVK Leh, highlighted the scope of poultry farming in Ladakh and outlined the training, technical support and veterinary services being extended to farmers.

The workshop provided an important platform for scientists, extension professionals, policymakers and farmers to exchange knowledge, discuss innovative farming practices and explore sustainable strategies for promoting poultry farming as a viable livelihood option in the cold arid region of Ladakh.