LEH: Strengthening sustainable agriculture and preserving its fragile Himalayan ecosystem, the Administration of Union Territory of Ladakh has imposed a complete prohibition on the procurement, distribution, sale, marketing and use of chemical/synthetic fertilizers for agricultural practices across the UT with immediate effect.
The order, issued by the Department of Agriculture, UT Ladakh, stated that the move aims to safeguard the region’s organic certification, protect soil and water resources, promote eco-friendly farming practices and establish Ladakh as a model organic region.
Ladakh has been actively promoting organic agriculture due to its unique agro-ecological conditions, traditional farming systems and limited dependence on agrochemicals. Under the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), organic certification initiatives through Large Area Certification (LAC), Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) and Model Organic Clusters have been undertaken since 2021. As a result, 207 revenue villages of Ladakh have already been brought under organic certification.
The Administration emphasized that maintaining the credibility of the organic certification process requires strict compliance with prescribed organic standards and a complete transition towards organic and natural farming methods. Farmers and agriculture units have now been directed to use only on-farm and off-farm organic inputs for cultivation.
As per the order, the Agriculture Department has been designated as the nodal department for implementing the prohibition. The Agriculture, Horticulture, Cooperatives, and Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Departments will coordinate measures to facilitate the transition towards organic and natural farming practices.
District administrations and enforcement agencies have been tasked with ensuring that no chemical or synthetic fertilizers are stocked, distributed or sold in violation of the order. Deputy Commissioners/District Magistrates will monitor implementation through inspections and review mechanisms and submit periodic compliance reports. Violations will invite suitable penalties.
The landmark decision marks a significant policy shift for Ladakh’s agriculture sector, aligning with the UT’s vision of sustainable development, environmental conservation and promotion of traditional farming practices suited to the high-altitude region.
