LEH: The ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI), Regional Research Station (RRS), Leh, on Wednesday distributed farm implements to 21 farmers of Hemis village under the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) Programme, aiming to improve agricultural productivity and strengthen sustainable farming practices in Ladakh’s cold arid region.
A total of 21 pickaxes and 21 teethed rakes were distributed to beneficiary farmers during the programme, which forms part of CAZRI’s ongoing efforts to support tribal farming communities through technology-driven interventions.
The implements were distributed by Dr. H.L. Kushwaha, Head, ICAR-CAZRI RRS, Leh, in the presence of Dr. Dhiraj Singh, Principal Scientist (Horticulture), and Chief Administrative Officer Sanjeev Kumar Sinha.
Addressing the beneficiaries, Dr. Kushwaha urged farmers to adopt modern and scientific agricultural practices to improve productivity, reduce labour-intensive operations and enhance farm incomes. He reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to supporting tribal farmers through appropriate technologies and need-based interventions tailored to Ladakh’s agro-climatic conditions.
Dr. Dhiraj Singh highlighted various initiatives undertaken by CAZRI for farmers in Ladakh under different development programmes and encouraged beneficiaries to make effective use of the farm implements to improve cultivation practices.
Speaking on behalf of the villagers, Tsetan Tundup thanked ICAR-CAZRI for its continued support under the Tribal Sub-Plan. He said the institute had previously supplied vegetable seeds, apricot saplings, hybrid pea seeds and animal feed, which had contributed to improving agricultural and livestock production in the village.
The programme was attended by scientists, technical, administrative and support staff of ICAR-CAZRI, including Dr. Mohd. Ali, Dr. Changchuk Lamo and Dr. A.R. Chichaghare, along with beneficiary farmers.
The event concluded with an interaction between scientists and farmers, focusing on sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices suited to Ladakh’s tribal farming landscape.
