KVK Nyoma mobilises Village Leaders to drive sustainable farming under Khet Bachao Abhiyan

NYOMA: Emphasising the pivotal role of grassroots leadership in safeguarding agricultural land and promoting sustainable farming practices, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Nyoma and the Department of Agriculture, Nyoma Zone, on Monday brought together village representatives from across Changthang under the Khet Bachao Abhiyan to formulate a community-driven strategy for the region’s agricultural future.

The Sarpanch/Goba Sammelan, held at Nyoma as part of the ongoing campaign, witnessed the participation of 21 former Sarpanches, former Panches, Nambardars and village representatives from Nyoma, Nidder, Nyoma TR and Mud villages. The deliberations centred on protecting farmland, enhancing productivity and strengthening agricultural sustainability in Ladakh’s cold arid ecosystem.

Presiding over the session, Dr. Phuntsog Tundup, Head of KVK Nyoma, outlined the objectives of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan and underscored the need for stronger community engagement in promoting environmentally sustainable agricultural practices.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Tundup said the success of the campaign would largely depend on the active involvement of local representatives. He stressed that natural farming and improved soil health management were increasingly becoming essential for sustaining agriculture in the high-altitude conditions of Changthang and called upon village leaders to champion these practices within their communities.

The meeting also focused on institutional support mechanisms available to farmers. Miss Nawang Palkit, In-charge Agriculture Extension Officer of Nyoma Zone, briefed participants on government schemes and interventions aimed at supporting agricultural activities in the region. She highlighted the role local representatives can play in facilitating access to departmental resources and ensuring wider outreach among farming households.

In another technical session, Dr. Tashi Dolkar, Scientist at KVK Nyoma, highlighted opportunities for value addition in vegetable production and discussed measures that could help farmers enhance returns from their produce. She explained how basic processing and value-addition practices could contribute to improving household incomes despite the logistical and climatic challenges associated with farming in remote high-altitude areas.

Participants engaged in detailed discussions on agricultural challenges, resource management and strategies to strengthen farm-based livelihoods. The interaction reflected a growing emphasis on combining scientific expertise with local knowledge to address emerging challenges in the agricultural sector.

Concluding the programme, Dr. Tashi Dolkar delivered the vote of thanks and appreciated the active participation of village representatives. She observed that sustained collaboration between scientific institutions, government agencies and community leaders would be essential for achieving long-term agricultural resilience and self-reliance in Changthang.