The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, flagged off consignments of organic fertiliser for distribution among farmers across different villages of the Union Territory from the LG Secretariat on March 5.

Among those present on the occasion were Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra, DGP Ladakh Mukesh Singh, Commissioner/Secretary L Franklin, Deputy Commissioner Leh Romil Singh Donk, and Additional Registrar Cooperatives Tsering Paldan, along with officials from the Agriculture Department.
Tsering Paldan informed that the UT Administration has procured adequate quantities of organic fertiliser to ensure timely distribution among farmers ahead of the sowing season. He added that the fertilisers were stocked well in advance to avoid shortages and to facilitate smooth supply to farming communities across Ladakh.

Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor emphasised the importance of adopting sustainable and environment-friendly agricultural practices in Ladakh. He highlighted the need for a gradual transition from chemical fertilisers to organic manure and organic fertilisers to preserve soil health, maintain ecological balance, and ensure long-term agricultural sustainability.

He stated that Ladakh, with its pristine environment and traditional farming practices, has the potential to emerge as a fully organic region on the lines of Sikkim, which has successfully achieved the status of India’s first organic state.

The Lieutenant Governor further stressed that the distribution process must be carried out in a transparent and equitable manner so that every eligible farmer benefits from the initiative. He directed the concerned officials to ensure proper monitoring and coordination so that no beneficiary is left out.

Highlighting the unique agricultural conditions of Ladakh, he noted that farming in the region is shaped by a short cropping season, high-altitude climate, and challenging terrain. In such conditions, sustainable agricultural practices become even more important to maintain soil fertility and productivity. Organic fertilisers help improve soil structure, enhance moisture retention, and support microbial activity in the soil, which is crucial for crop growth in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.

He also observed that organic farming aligns well with Ladakh’s traditional agricultural heritage, where farmers have historically relied on natural manure and environmentally friendly cultivation practices. Promoting organic fertilisers, he said, would not only strengthen soil health but also improve the quality and market value of agricultural produce from Ladakh.

The Lieutenant Governor reiterated that the UT Administration remains committed to strengthening the agriculture sector and supporting farmers through sustainable initiatives that ensure food security, environmental protection, and economic opportunities for the farming community across Ladakh.