Summary
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ladakh, Professor Saket Kushwaha, recently visited the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Nyoma to check on the progress of local farming projects. During his visit, he looked at new ways scientists are helping farmers grow food in the cold and high-altitude environment of Ladakh. The visit highlighted successful apple farming and new greenhouse technologies that help local communities. This effort is part of a larger plan to make farming more profitable and sustainable for people living in remote mountain areas.
Main Impact
The most significant result of this visit was the confirmation that modern farming techniques are working in extreme weather. A model apple orchard in Nee village showed a survival rate of over 98 percent, which is very high for such a cold area. This success proves that farmers in Ladakh can grow more than just traditional crops if they use the right science and tools. By improving crop survival, the university and KVK are helping to secure the food supply and increase the income of families living in the Changthang region.
Key Details
What Happened
Professor Kushwaha, along with the University Registrar, Shri Nawang Tundup, traveled to Nyoma to meet with agricultural scientists and local farmers. They started by visiting a special apple orchard that uses trees designed to handle freezing temperatures. Later, at the KVK center, they reviewed the work done over the past year and looked at the goals for 2026 and 2027. The Vice Chancellor also spent time looking at mud-walled greenhouses. These structures are built to trap heat, allowing vegetables to grow even when it is freezing outside.
Important Numbers and Facts
The data shared during the visit showed impressive results for the region. The apple orchard at Nee village, which is part of a government project, has a survival rate of 98.59 percent. This is a major achievement because the weather in Ladakh often kills young trees. The team also discussed their work in Tsaga, a village located at an altitude of more than 15,000 feet. Reaching such high areas is difficult, but the KVK team has been providing regular support to the people living there. The Vice Chancellor also reviewed the budget and action plans for the upcoming farming season to ensure resources are used correctly.
Background and Context
Farming in Ladakh is very difficult because of the high altitude and the "cold desert" climate. For many years, people could only grow a few types of crops during the short summer months. Krishi Vigyan Kendras, or Farm Science Centers, were created to bring scientific research directly to the farmers. KVK Nyoma specifically focuses on the Changthang region, which is one of the highest and coldest inhabited places in the world. The University of Ladakh oversees these centers to make sure that new research in biology and agriculture helps the local population survive and thrive in these tough conditions.
Public or Industry Reaction
Local leaders, known as Nambardars, from the villages of Nyoma, Mudh, and Nidder attended the meeting. They spoke highly of the KVK team and Dr. Phuntsog Tundup, the head of the center. The leaders thanked the scientists for traveling to remote areas that are often ignored. They mentioned that the advice on how to care for animals and crops has made a real difference in their daily lives. The University Registrar also praised the team for working hard despite the freezing wind and thin air, noting that their dedication is helping the entire region grow.
What This Means Going Forward
The Vice Chancellor suggested several new steps to help the community further. First, he wants to create a better system for farmers to sell their fruits and vegetables so they can get a fair price. Second, he directed the center to become an Aadhaar Service Center. This will allow local residents to update their government ID cards without having to travel long distances to a big city. Finally, the university plans to take local farmers on trips to other mountain states in India. These visits will help farmers see how people in other regions use technology to grow better crops, which they can then try in their own villages.
Final Take
The visit to KVK Nyoma shows that science and local knowledge can work together to solve hard problems. By focusing on cold-resistant plants and better greenhouses, the University of Ladakh is giving mountain communities the tools they need to succeed. These initiatives do more than just grow food; they provide a way for people to stay in their traditional homelands while building a modern and stable economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a KVK?
A KVK, or Krishi Vigyan Kendra, is a center that teaches farmers about new agricultural science and technology to help them improve their crops and livestock.
How do apples grow in the cold weather of Ladakh?
Scientists use "cold-resistant rootstocks," which are special types of tree bases that can survive freezing soil and harsh winters better than normal trees.
Why is an Aadhaar center being opened at a farm center?
Since the KVK is located in a remote area, it is a convenient place for local people to access government services without traveling for many hours to a major town.
