The Department of Horticulture, Kargil, organized the Apricot Exhibition 2025 under the Government of India’s flagship ‘One District One Product (ODOP)’initiative on August 5 at the Syed Mehdi Memorial Auditorium Hall. The event celebrated the selection of apricot as the unique identity crop of Kargil district, aiming to promote its cultivation, processing, marketing, and export.

Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, attended the event as Chief Guest, while Rakesh Kumar, IAS, Deputy Commissioner/CEO, LAHDC Kargil, was the Guest of Honour.

The dignitaries visited exhibition stalls displaying a range of apricot and plum varieties presented by local farmers and entrepreneurs. They interacted with representatives from Ladakh Organic & Green Initiative Consultancy, Halman Apricot Kargil, and other stakeholders to gain insight into grading, packaging, quality control, and the export potential of apricot-based products.

In his address, CEC Dr. Jaffer Akhoon commended the Director and Chief Horticulture Officer and their team for successfully designating apricot as Kargil's ODOP. He emphasized the cultural and economic significance of apricots to the region, calling them a symbol of local identity and economic opportunity. He reaffirmed LAHDC Kargil’s commitment to supporting apricot farmers through schemes offering subsidies, driers, pack houses, and essential equipment to improve processing and quality.

Dr. Akhoon also expressed gratitude to Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal for extending vital support by providing a drier plant to enhance apricot processing in the region.

Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Kumar  highlighted the enormous potential of the apricot economy and stressed the need for adopting modern technology in cultivation, value addition, and marketing. He announced plans for establishing a Center of Excellence in Kargil to provide scientific support and training to farmers. He urged attendees to spread awareness among the farming community about available government schemes and benefits for apricot growers.

Tsewang Phunchok, Director of Horticulture and Floriculture, expressed sincere appreciation to the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, district officers, and the farming community for their active participation.

Ali Raza, Chief Horticulture Officer, presented the department’s key achievements and ongoing efforts to obtain Geographical Indication (G.I.) tags for Halman Apricot and Karkitchoo Apple, a move expected to boost market value and farmer incomes. He also discussed cultivation zones, marketing strategies, and the department's initiatives promoting sustainable horticulture across the district.

A short documentary on apricot farming in Kargil, produced by the Department of Horticulture, was screened during the event. The film showcased the entire lifecycle of apricot cultivation — from harvesting to marketing — while highlighting both challenges and innovative practices adopted by local farmers.

The exhibition concluded with the distribution of prizes to farmers for presenting high-quality apricots and appreciation certificatesto budding entrepreneurs contributing to the apricot value chain.