SAC flags pest attacks, livestock concerns in Kargil; seeks stronger field intervention

Panel calls for regular pest surveillance, timely expert advice and closer coordination between KVK and line departments

KARGIL: The 22nd Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK)-1 Kargil, University of Ladakh, on Friday called for stronger field-level scientific interventions to address pest attacks, crop protection, livestock diseases and other challenges affecting agriculture and allied sectors in the district.

The committee stressed the need for regular pest surveillance, timely scientific advice, greater field demonstrations and closer coordination between scientists and line departments to respond to problems faced by farmers under local high-altitude conditions.

Insect attacks affecting fruit crops were discussed with reference to villages including Lankerchay, while pest-related damage to trees and crops in areas such as Ashina was also highlighted. Participants called for environmentally sustainable pest-management practices and timely intervention to limit crop losses.

The meeting reviewed the broader needs of agriculture, horticulture and animal husbandry, including improved barley varieties, composting, natural farming, fodder development, micro-irrigation, crop protection, livestock disease management, poultry, cross-breeding, dairy production and Pashmina goat rearing.

Particular attention was given to strengthening horticulture, with the committee discussing measures for apricot, apple and seabuckthorn through eco-friendly pest management, processing, value addition, marketing and infrastructure support. The meeting also called for efforts to revive livestock-based livelihoods, develop high-altitude fodder in Drass and support scientific breeding and documentation for the conservation of the Zanskar horse.

The meeting was attended by University of Ladakh Vice Chancellor Prof Saket Kushwaha, Range Forest Officer Kargil Niyaz Ali, Deputy Director Agriculture Mohd Iqbal, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer Kargil and Drass Dr Ghulam Mohd, Chief Horticulture Officer Kargil Ali Raza, DSHO Kargil Dr Mohd Sadiq, DSHO Drass Dr Zakir Hussain, KVK Coordinator and Controller Dr Mohd Mehdi and Head KVK Kargil Dr Nasreen Fatima, besides officials from concerned departments.

At the outset, Dr Nasreen Fatima presented the KVK’s work and achievements in agriculture and allied sectors, including farm testing, organic cultivation, mixed trials, frontline demonstrations, mushroom cultivation, crop yields and winter vegetable production. The presentation also highlighted field observations and areas requiring further scientific intervention.

The committee called for greater deployment of scientists and technical experts in the field and stronger coordination between KVK and government departments. It also emphasised systematic documentation of field issues and recommendations in the Minutes of Meeting, followed by timely departmental action and monitoring.

Members further discussed the possibility of utilising suitable components of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and National Livestock Mission (NLM) to strengthen agriculture and allied activities in Ladakh. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Mohd Mehdi, who acknowledged the contributions of the Vice Chancellor, participating officers, scientists, departmental representatives and other stakeholders.