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R EACH VOL. 8 ISSUE 9 PAGES 8 L ADAKH B ULLETIN May 16-31, 2020 Fortnightly Special Fortnightly Special A tribute to the 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche 4 5 Improved cultivation practices for better livelihood in on his 117th birth anniversary

Find us on FACEBOOK: Reach Ladakh Follow us on twitter: ReachLadakhBulletin Visit our website: www.reachladakh.com Brief News L-G Mathur interacts with KAS 2564th Buddha Jayanti: People pray to seek Anjuman-Moin-ul-Islam, , probationers at Raj Niwas end to COVID-19 hands over 200 Rapid Test Kits to the Commissioner/Secretary Health Leh: To fight against Coronavirus, Dr. Abdul Qayum , President Anju- man-Moin-ul-Islam, Leh handed over 200 Rapid Test Kits approved by the ICMR to Rigzin Samphel, Commis- sioner/Secretary Health at his office on May 13.

DISCLAIMER Reach Ladakh does not take re- President LBA and LGA paying tribute to the Lord Buddha on Buddha Jayanti at Chowkhang sponsibility for the contents of the Vihara. Advertisements Display/classified published in this newspaper. The Stanzin Dasal spoke about the importance of the day and urged everyone to pray for world paper does not endorse the same. Leh: Due to ongoing nationwide peace, good health and happiness. He Readers are requested to verify the COVID-19 lockdown, the celebration Reach Ladakh Correspondent the bureaucratic discipline and to excel expressed gratitude to all the frontline contents on their own before acting of 2564th Buddha Jayanti on May 7 has in their career based on their abilities. He workers for rendering their service to the there upon. Leh: R.K. Mathur, Lieutenant Governor been different than the traditional - cele exhorted them to be innovative in their welfare of people in these challenging interacted with the fresh batch of 2019 bration. Administrative Service Proba- thinking and to make decisions based on days. Ladakh Buddhist Association along with tioners from Ladakh on May 13 at Raj the merits of the situation. He said that He appealed people to stay home and do All Ladakh Gonpa Association greeted Niwas. Ladakh has a civilization to be proud their prayers.The auspicious day is cel- the people of Ladakh and seek blessing of, with a disciplined population and ebrated all over the world to commem- Addressing the KAS Probationers, R K from the triple gems to get through the the onus is on the young officer to give orate the Birth, Enlightenment and Ma- Mathur said that they are public servants the correct direction for this civilization worst crisis nowadays humanity is facing.

Courtesy Tsetan Angmo Courtesy Tsetan haparinirvana (death) of Lord Buddha. and their focus should be the overall wel- to evolve further. He wished them good Greeting everyone on this auspicious Konchok Stak, President, LBA Youth fare of the public. He said, “You should luck and good health in their public ser- occasion, PT Kunzang, President, LBA wing informed about the tradition of be thinking bureaucrat, with one master vice in Ladakh at such a crucial period. urged people to stay resolved in the fight organising Blood Donation Camp ev- namely the public of Ladakh.” against coronavirus. He said that we all The delegation of 10 young KAS proba- ery year on Buddha Jayanti day. He said are going through a big challenge and He emphasized on having a thorough tioners requested the Lt. Governor to al- that due to the COVID-19 pandemic this in this tough phase we should cooperate knowledge of their subjects, learn from low them to work both in the Secretariat year, the organisation is registering the with each other to get free from this vi- experiences and develop abilities to de- and field with different departments on a names of donors thorough social media rus soon. liver results in any given situation. rotational basis for exposure and expe- and contact numbers shared on various R K Mathur advised them to adhere to riences. Ven. Shedup Chamba, President, LGA social media platform. For more online videos subscribe to our You Tube channel ‘Reach Ladakh’ NOW! Correction and clarification It is the policy of ‘Reach Ladakh Bul- letin’ to correct significant errors as soon as possible. Please specify the edition, date, news item or the article. You can contact at 9858394403 or email at [email protected]. All communication must carry the full postal address and telephone numbers. Get the latest news and Reach Ladakh Bulletin updates from Ladakh. Don’t Owner, Publisher & Printer: Tundup Dorjey forget to like, subscribe and Editor: Rinchen Angmo Chumikchan click the notification bell. Assistant Editor: Stanzin Dasal Sales & Marketing: Tsering Morup Follow us on: Layout: Raul Chhokkun Published at: Website: www.reachladakh.com Reach Ladakh, Skara Yokma, Airport Road, near Councillor Quarter Facebook: Reach Ladakh Contact: 9858394403 Printed at: Instagram: reachladakh99 Archana advertising Pvt Ltd. C-78 Okhla Industrial Area Phase I. Twitter: ReachLadakhBulletin New Delhi, India 110020 2 | May 16-31, 2020 Fortnightly News Reach Ladakh Bulletin

Hill Council, Leh, approves ₹ 232 crore capex budget for 2020-21 Major hike in key sectors like Education and Health

Reach Ladakh Correspondent Leh: The Executive Council meeting of Hill Council, Leh held under the chairmanship of Gyal P. Wangyal, Chairman/ Chief Executive Councillor, Hill Council, Leh on May 11 at Council Secretariat. ₹ 232 crores was approved for Capex budget 2020-21 for . briefed that out of total ₹ 73.89 budget of ₹ 57.52 crores, this Due to COVID-19 pandemic, crores in revised outlay in reg- year Capex budget approved ₹ this year annual General Council ular schemes; a total of ₹ 55.31 232. 43 crore which is four times Meeting was confined to ECs to crores was expended in last fi- more than the last year budget ( approve the plan. Sachin Kumar, nancial year till March 2020. 400% hike). Some key sector got Deputy Commissioner/CEO a major jump in the allocation of Hill Council, Leh and Tsewang Taking serious note regarding funds including education with Gyaltson, CPO, Leh also attend- very low expenditure recorded 500% hike as ₹ 15 crores was ed the meeting. All Councillors by some key departments after approved as compared to last have already submitted their new demanding additional funds un- year ₹ 3 crores and health sector schemes proposal of their re- der revised outlay 2019-20, CEC with a hike of 440 % with ₹ 12 By Richa Maheshwari & Athulya Pillai spective constituencies and also directed concerned ECs and DC, crores as compared to last year CEC and concerned ECs already Leh to ensure proper planning ₹ 2.7 crores. round 2003, a physiotherapist named Karola was trekking past Lingshed. She encountered a verified sector-wise ongoing and execution of works in the Ahandicapped girl there and decided to stay in the village for the remainder of her trek. She took schemes. current financial year 2020-21 as After discussion on all the sec- this girl to nearby places and played games with her. When Carola returned to Leh, she quit her job in due to COVID-19 pandemic the tors, proposals and queries The Chairman discussed the Germany to work with such children here. execution of works are already raised by the Councillors earlier, achievements and expenditure delayed. CEC approved the Capex Bud- I got in touch with her in 2008 and we started Rewa. We are situated in Leh and , and we do trips achieved during the financial get 2020-21 with certain modifi- to Changthang, , and . We identify children who require our help, do physiotherapy with year 2019-20. CEC Wangyal As compared to last year Capex cations and deletions. them, and train their parents to help them with the exercises. We have 5-6 trained physios that work with us right now. We cannot do much, but we do what we can to give these children a little hope. Generally, we send a bus to pick-up handicapped children from around Leh for our daily exercise and special education classes. It is not happening at the moment because the center is closed. So, our 473-km Manali-Leh road likely to open between May 20- 25 physios are in touch with the children and their parents through Whatsapp. I am happy. I have very Hill Council, Leh reviews the status of snow clearance work good staff and good things are happening. Some time ago, with the help of the organization ISHWAR and the cooperation of SNM Hospital and the government hospital in Kargil, we flew in surgeons to help children with knocked knees and drop foot. Now I can see them walking and roaming around. Last year, the education department got in touch with us. They want our help in building an inclusive school in Ladakh. Let’s hope it works. I like to help people. Maybe I learnt it from my parents. They were both in the medical field when we had maybe one or two doctors in Ladakh. My mother was trained as a midwife in CMC Ludhiana. People used to come and take her to their house to help with delivery. Sometimes she would come back after 3-4 days. Back then, there were no chemist shops either. People would stop my father and say, “I have a head- ache.” He would take medicine out from his leather handbag and give it to them. He was trained in Skardo. My parents were among the first to work at the government hospital in Ladakh – he was a medical representative and she retired as a senior nurse. It’s good for me to work with children and do something for Ladakh. They are our future, so why not make a better Ladakh through these kids

Reach Ladakh Correspondent Srinagar –Leh road to speed up Manali-Leh road is expected to Storyteller: David Sonam Dawa, Leh Leh: Gyal P Wangyal, CEC, Hill the evacuation process. be thrown open for traffic be- tween May 20-25. If you would like to contribute to Rewa’s work, you can send donations to their account: Council Leh reviewed the status He said that there are passengers of snow clearance work carried Bank: Jammu Bank of Kashmir, Leh. Account Number: 0069040100047609 including pilgrims and students He further informed that last year Swift Code: JAKAINBBSRI out at 473 km Manali-Leh road stranded in Himachal Pradesh Manali-Leh road was opened for on May 12. and moreover many passengers traffic on June 18. Follow storiesfromladakh on Instagram for more such stories. prefer Manali-Leh route to reach The meeting was attended by Discussing the movement of traf- Leh. He stressed for the early Executive Councillors of Hill fic on Srinagar –Leh road, Gyal opening of the road. Council Leh; Sachin Kumar, P Wangyal directed SP Traffic DC, Leh; Brig Arvinder Singh, Brig Arvinder Singh, Chief En- Ladakh to modify and advertise Covid-19 lockdown: 50 students sent from Leh by buses to their homes Chief Engineer, Project HI- gineer Project HIMANK briefed traffic timings systematically so the supervision of SDM Nubra, MANK; Col Abishek Khanna, that Project HIMANK CDR 753 that passengers could commute Sonam Norboo. Also, one bus CDR 753 BRTF; Sonam Dech- BRTF reached on March as per the timings. also left for Shaam area and oth- en, SP Traffic, Ladakh, Suresh 28 from Leh side and now pro- Police were asked to provide er vehicles for Tukla and Kumar Chib, Additional SP Leh ceeding towards Baralacha pass additional escort vehicles at villages. and Zakir Hussain, OSD to Di- which is under Project Deepak Minamarg to speed up the flow visional Commissioner, Ladakh. on Manali side. He said that the Tsering Sandup, Deputy Chair- of traffic towards Leh. Also, he snow clearance work on remain- man urged students to follow Gyal P Wangyal said that the directed police to don’t stop Leh ing 7 km stretch of road between home quarantine measures hon- opening of Manali-Leh road at bound buses at Minamarg as Baralacha and Sarchu is being estly at their respective homes the earliest is very important to screening for Leh passengers is executed from both sides and if as per the instruction of district reduce the load of traffic flow on arranged at Khaltse. the weather remains good, the administration Leh. He stressed on maintaining social distancing, hand washing and wearing of L-G sanctions ₹ 65,53,000 in favour of registered labourers of UT Ladakh masks for a prolonged time and also urged students to educate Reach Ladakh Correspondent May 11. An amount of ₹ 1000 each will Reach Ladakh Correspondent and Srinagar and were quar- villagers about the pandemic and be disbursed by Assistant Labour antined at Hotel Mansarover measures needed to be followed Leh: In another move to help la- R. K. Mathur, Lieutenant Gover- Leh: Nearly 50 people including Commissioner, Leh and Kargil and Hotel Spic n Spine. Also, in this testing time. bourers in Ladakh amid the cri- nor of Ladakh sanctioned a total students, passengers and patients to the registered labourers under their sample tested negative for sis of COVID-19 pandemic and amount of ₹ 65,53,000 out of left to their respective villages in Dr. Zahida Bano, ADC, Leh and Building and Other Construction COVID-19. lockdown, the second instalment which ₹ 30,90,000 for Leh and buses after completing 14 days team of district officers were Workers Welfare Board through of ₹ 1000 each was approved to ₹ 34,63,000 for Kargil districts quarantine in different institu- Two buses left for Nubra carry- looking after the evacuated pas- DBT in their individual bank ac- be paid to the registered labour- in favour of the Registered Con- tions on May 9. ing students and passengers who sengers quarantined in different counts for the purchase of ration ers of Leh and Kargil districts on struction Workers of UT Ladakh. will be home quarantined under hotels in Leh. during the lockdown period. All were evacuated from Kota Reach Ladakh Bulletin May 16-31, 2020 | 3

Hill Council, Leh, reviews status of COVID-19 positive Government's big push to connect Ladakh round the year Invites bids for Zojila tunnel and flouts tenders for preparation of DPR for patients at Mahabodhi Hospital Shinkun-La, Tanglang-La and Lachaung- La tunnels Dr. Tashi Motup informed that one patient was Reach Ladakh Correspondent cured and discharged from hospital on May 8. The conditions of the 19 active COVID-19 patients of Leh: To connect Ladakh round Leh district are stable. Also, he informed that two the year, Govt. of India lead by teams of doctors comprising medical staff includ- Prime Minister Narendra Modi ing two volunteer nurse and two staff of Mahabodhi invites bids for Zojila tunnel and are providing 24x7 services. preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR) for three major Both the CEC and Deputy Chairman highly appre- tunnels including Shinkun-La, ciated the invaluable services of frontline warriors Tanglang-La and Lachaung- La headed by Surgeon Specialist, Dr. Tashi Motup through National Highways and and Dr. Chorol, Physician Specialist at dedicated Infrastructure Corporation Lim- Volunteer nurses Sonam Dolkar from and Stan- COVID-19 Mahabodhi Hospital. They also ac- tion and concern of PM Modi for nel including approaches across ited (NHIDCL). zin Dolkar from Thiksay. knowledged the priceless volunteer services of two the people of Ladakh. He called it Shinkun-La, Tanglang-La and Nurses namely Sonam Dolkar from Domkhar and Expressing gratitude, Jamyang path-breaking projects started by Lachaung La in the Union Terri- Reach Ladakh Correspondent Stanzin Dolkar from Thiksay for giving their ser- Tsering Namgyal, MP Ladakh Modi Govt. for Ladakh includ- tory of Ladakh. ing Bilaspur-Manali-Leh New Leh: Hill Council, Leh reviewed the status of vices. stated that construction of these Jamyang Tsering Namgyal also Rail Line, new Terminal build- COVID-19 positive patients and the facilities being four major tunnels is a long conveyed his gratitude to the Gyal P Wangyal expressed gratitude to all the staffs ing of Kushok Bakula Rinpoche provided at the dedicated COVID-19 Mahabodhi pending demand of the people of Minister of Road, Transport & of Mahabodhi namely Thukjay Toldan (Zanskar) (KBR) Airport at Leh to improve Karuna Charitable Hospital, on May Ladakh. He said that this signifi- Highways, Nitin Gadkari for his and Sonam Wangyal (Saspol) for providing their connectivity and PM Modi’s vi- 9. cant and historic development is proactive care for the overall de- services in maintenance of plumbing and electrici- sion to develop Ladakh as a car- a new beginning for Ladakh. velopment of the newly carved Gyal P Wangyal, CEC, Hill Council, Leh and Tser- ty-related works in the hospital. He also lauded the bon-neutral region. ing Sandup, Deputy Chairman took stock via tele- service of Dr. Mohd Baqir CAHO (Nodal Officer), He said that connecting Ladakh Union Territory of Ladakh by phonic conversation with Dr. Motup Dorjey, CMO, Mahabodhi Hospital, Angchuk, Head Assistant round the year will lead towards NHIDCL has invited bids for issuing the tender notices even Leh and Dr. Tashi Motup, Incharge, COVID-19 Employment Office, Leh (Assistant Nodal Officer) a new era of development and the construction of Zojila tun- during these challenging times Mahabodhi Hospital Surgeon Specialist. and Eshey Dolkar (Cook). opportunities. Also, this will ease nel with Approach Road on both of pandemic. western and eastern side worth the life of Ladakhis living in this Opening up of Shinkun-La via ₹ 622.29 core with a comple- strategically important region Manali would connect Zanskar tion period of 24 months. Also, bordering with two hostile neigh- one of the remotest region of it invited bids for Consultancy bour countries China and Paki- Ladakh with rest of the world SDM, Khaltse, visits quarantine facilities to check arrangements Service for preparation of Detail stan, the security and supremacy throughout the year which oth- Project Report and providing of the nation will be strengthened. erwise remains cutoff even Reach Ladakh Correspondent Pre-Construction activities for with district headquarter Kargil He added that the four major tun- construction of Highway Tun- Khaltse: Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Khaltse, nels for Ladakh show determina- during winter months. Tsering Motup took stock of the quarantine facil- ities at Khaltse arranged for the students and peo- ple reaching from different parts of the country on May 12 EC , Education, discusses launching of education web portal A group of 10 girls and 5 boys of Linghsed, Nayraks and use of e-learning repository platform with NIELIT, Leh and Youlchung villages of the trans-Himalayan re- gion are being kept under institutional quarantine at app to the students and people. He also stressed the Higher Secondary School, hostel and the SDM Reach Ladakh Correspondent in) is ready for use. The website Phunchok Toldan further in- to ensure strict adherence to social distance norms will be launched only when all formed about the e-learning re- hall, Khaltse. Leh: Konchok Stanzin, EC Edu- and home quarantine measure including frequent relevant data will be fed in the pository platform at www.uni- cation reviewed the status of the During his visit, SDM Tsering Motup briefed hand washing, wearing of masks, maintenance of portal through concerned ZEOs versityofladakh.org.in/elearn. web portal of Education Depart- about the mandatory download of Aarogya Setu personal hygiene and other necessary measures. zone wise. Training of ZEOs ment, Leh designed by NIELIT The learning platform aims to and concerned assistants will be Leh on May 13. bring all the online resources of conducted by NIELIT Leh in the Ladakh region under one roof on Phunchok Toldan, Controlling coming days. which intended teachers, profes- Officer, NIELIT Leh and Phun- The portal will be useful in pro- sions, guides and individual can CEC chairs meeting on pre-plan formulation of capex chok Angchuk, Head Clerk, viding detail data of teachers register and upload videos, tex- Chief Education Office, Leh and student rolls, school infra- tual assignments beneficial for budget 20-21 for Leh district were present in the meeting. structure facilities and other im- students on various subjects. The Reach Ladakh Correspondent of frontline warriors and oth- Phunchok Toldan briefed that portant information school wise authors can register themselves ers in combating COVID-19. Leh: On the auspicious day of the web portal of education de- including daily circulars and or- and start embedding YouTube He said that they exemplify the 2564th birth anniversary, Lieu- partment Leh with portal ad- ders of the department and many lecture videos uploading by great action of serving humani- tenant Governor, Radha Krishna dress (Educationdepartmentleh. more. them. ty that was one of the principal Mathur greets Buddhist commu- teachings of Buddha. nity of Ladakh on May 7. R K Mathur appeals everyone In this time of crisis, R K Mathur to stay safe from the infection of expressed courage to win over Advisor Narula reviews Police Wireless novel coronavirus and as much this pandemic with patience, help others in need and distress compassion, resolve and unity. with love and compassion follow- Network in Ladakh He appreciated the selfless work ing the path shown by Buddha. Remote villages to be covered by Satellite-based communication facilities of emergency situations was car- ried out. Umang Narula asked the police Ladakh Tourist Trade Alliance meets L-G department to explore communi- Ladakh Tourist Trade Alliance ty and ham radio mediums as op- requested R K Mathur to support tions of communication during the tourism industry and the peo- any emergency. ple of Ladakh. The presentation also elaborated The delegation requested a mor- the position regarding adoption atorium of 24 months and the of POLNET which is a satel- loan interests for this period to Reach Ladakh Correspondent communication challenges lite-based area network for the be paid by the government. They faced by owing modernization of police tele- Leh: Advisor Umang Narula requested to fast track the pro- to mountainous terrain, which communication. It was informed reviewed the communication cess to provide DIPP industrial prevents the line of sight. He that if sufficient POLNET - ter Reach Ladakh Correspondent of the COVID-19 pandemic was network facilities of the police subsidy for early disbursement informed that the police de- minals are installed, a safe and submitted. department in Ladakh on May 5. Leh: Ladakh Tourist Trade Al- of the finances, waiver of reg- partment is exploring various reliable communication network liance representatives met Lieu- The representatives highlighted istration and other annual fees Saugat Biswas, Divisional Com- available technologies for the can be established. tenant Governor, R K Mathur, the annual turnover of around ₹ applicable to the hospitality in- missioner, Ladakh; Satish Khan- establishment of communication Umang Narula asked the police and discussed the issues faced by 600 crores from the tourism sec- dustry for the current year and dare , IGP Ladakh; Tashi Dolma, facilities in the communication department to prepare a practical the tourism industry of Ladakh tor in Ladakh contributing nearly complete withdrawal of GST for Additional Secretary Home and shadow villages. plan, for the entire UT, especial- on May 4. 60% of Ladakh’s economy. They a period of five years once the Satish Kumar, DySP Telecom at- informed that with the spread of situation gets to normal in order Discussion on the various means ly the remote areas after rational- A copy of memorandum high- tended the meeting. COVID-19, the tourism industry to reinforce the much-affected of communication suitable for izing the number of stations and lighting various issues related has been badly affected. tourism industry. Satish Kumar highlighted the serving the remote areas in case manpower required. to the tourism sector in the view 4 | May 16-31, 2020 Fortnightly News Reach Ladakh Bulletin

Improved cultivation practices for better livelihood in Ladakh

Leh, the 2nd largest district in the country, next to Kutch in Gujarat, is weeds grow faster than the crops and capture the space to enjoy ap- situated between 31-36° N latitude and 76-80° E longitude with an al- plied manures and gain higher vigour to suppress the crops/ vegeta- titude range from 2500 to 6000m amsl, covering 45,100 Km2. Here, bles. This increases the number of weeding in vegetables and crops. If agriculture is the mainstay of economy, providing food and liveli- crop-weed competition is understood, then farmers can easily prevent hood security for the people. This region falls under the rain-shadow their negative impact of weeds on crops. For better control of the fol- area of the Indian Himalayas which block the monsoon winds, caus- lowing weeds, any ICAR institute in Leh may be contacted: ing very little rainfall with an average of 100 mm along with varied temperature range, thereby limiting the growth of natural vegetation. Critical period of crop-weed competition Crop Critical period (DAS) The region has many small glaciers and these glaciers and snowmelt Rapeseed-Mustard 15-45 water are the only sources of water for irrigation, domestic purpose, etc. But, over the years, reducing pattern of snow melt has been pos- Wheat, Barley, Peas, Cauliflower, Cabbage and Tomato 20-45 ing a significant reduction in cultivated area and livelihood options Green gram, Cowpea and Okra 10- 30 and this declining phase of subsistence agricultural production is Potato 15-45 Use of black mulch in potato under acute threat. Sooner or later, Ladakh has to be attentive about Lentil, French bean 25-60 making agriculture a sustained farming in the light of out-migration Onion 20-65 and high-rise of tourism and other options. There is a need to formulate diversified and integrated farming pat- Common weeds of crops and vegetables tern under changing weather conditions and search options to im- Weeds Common names Local Ladakhi names prove crop production over a small patch of land remains with the Agropyron repens Couch grass Rampa farmers. It explores how best nature can be used to overcome the ag- Phragmites australis Common reed Dambu riculture/ water challenges at micro-level for Ladakh. Nature-based Convolvulus arvensis Fieldbind weed Tik-tik-mo solutions have the potential to solve many of our food security chal- Cirsium arvense Canadian thistle Ljangtser lenges. The land of the Ladakh region is sandy to sandy loam which Setaria viridis Foxtail Ljamak has low nutrient and water holding capacity Therefore, the soil of Ladakh suffers from nutrient stress especially nitrogen. The soil is Chenopodium album Lamb's Quarters Nyuee Chenopodium carinata Saanik alkaline in nature with pH ranging from 5.65-10.12 which further re- Line sown crop facilitate weed control using hand hoe stricts nutrient availability. Nitrogen in comparison to phosphorous Polygonum convolvulus Wild buckwheat Tayaat and potassium is present in low amount and the micronutrients (Zn, Amaranth sp. Amaranth Khe-rsnama Solanaceous vegetables may be followed by leguminous vegetables, Cu, Fe, and Mn) are present below the critical limit. Ambrosia sp. Khamnak, khampa amaranth to avoid soil-borne diseases. According to IPCC (1995), Improved practices Avena fatua Wild oat Kasam the years have noticed warmer over the last few decades. Due to The production of staple crop wheat and barley are the energy-ef- Cuscuta approximata Dodder - biotic and abiotic stress, insects are being observed in all the crops/ ficient and may be promoted along with vegetables at large scale. Capsella bursa - Sog-ka-pa vegetables, forest trees, orchards, etc. Under the changing climate, there may be insect problems in future. Instead of using pesticides, Moreover, it appears that the area under staple crop is gradually de- Malwa neglecta - Sounchal creasing or remains constant for several years as farmers are pre- use of light traps in apple and apricot orchards has been very useful ferring cash crops like potato, onion and other vegetables. Recent and significant, controlling the further spread and commencement of Optimum sowing time: Crops/ vegetables should be sown/ planted changes in socio-economic lifestyle has resulted in the shift in crop- problematic insects and reproduction. timely as per the recommended time of sowing as observed in Ladakh, ping pattern as well as increased use of fertilizers along with seeds wheat is sown in the last week of April to 2nd week May and barley Community Seed Banks at village level for conserving traditional of high yielding varieties. For obtaining a potential yield of the tra- upto mid-May. It has been observed that late planting of onion up to genetic resources: Community seed banks are one of the important ditional crop (wheat, barley, potato, pea, mustard etc) there is a need 5th June also avoid maggot attack. methods used to provide seed security and conserve agro biodiver- to start with minimum possible modifications in present cultivation practices with the following improved measures: Crop rotation: Rotating crop on the same patch of land alternating ...Continues on Page 6 with legume crops increases the yield under organic farming also. It Line sowing: It saves seeds, time and provides better growth to plants reduces insect pests, weeds which continuously trouble the crop. with more number of tillers, earheads and number of seeds per ear- head by using recommended seed rate. In Ladakh, farmers generally Use of manures: Intensive and continuous cultivation on the same apply 2.83 quintal seeds per hectare (15 kg per kanal) in broadcasting patch of land generally deplete soil fertility, resulting in less crop/ SoulSpeak method instead of using recommended seed rate of 120 kg/ha (6-7 kg vegetable yield. It is very difficult to recommend any dose of these per kanal), thereby reducing plant growth with less number of effec- manures (Farmyard manure, poultry manure, sheep manure) for any tive tillers. Line sowing saves half of the quantity of seeds and almost crop, for the simple reason, the nutrient value of these manures are so P.P. Wangchuk doubling the yield of barley and wheat. Higher seed rate with broad- variable over space and time, and the recommendation will not stand casting method does not yield more due to putting seeds at different correct when tested over time on a given soil. The variation in the depth and providing opportunity for unwanted plants like weeds. residual effect of these manures, dictated primarily by the C:N ratio, The freedom to stand and stare! soil microbial diversity (Structural and functional), growing condi- Use of mulching and earthing-up in potato: Black polythene mulch tions, crop type (annual versus perennial), fallow period. The best Pardon me if I go a little more philosophical in line-planted potato provides better growth for plant with conserv- course again would be to get the soil tested every 2 years, tailor the this time. I felt the situations demanded it! ing moisture and controlling weeds. It is required to follow earth- manure requirement as per the crop removal pattern, especially for P The Covid-19 scare has put us all into having ing-up for more number of normal size of potato, better weed control and K (exception of poultry manure rich in P). Simultaneously, get a cocooned life-style never experienced ever and improved irrigation. Earlier in Ladakh, in potato earthing was the manure tested for quality in terms of microbial abundance, nutri- before. To steal Philosopher David E Cooper’s being followed, but of late, it is not being followed, thereby reduc- ent concentration, salt index etc., to compute the manure requirement phrase, we are all “condemned to freedom.” Of ing the tuber yield. equivalent with crop annual nutrient requirement. There is a need to course, what he means is a ‘freedom of a differ- ent kind’, somewhat like the one we are making Weed control: Ladakh agriculture is subsistence agriculture where improve the soil fertility status using a better manure usage and effec- do with these days. As a result, our freedom to do many a thing has minimum energy input was recorded for staple crops, barley and tive agro-forestry systems involving seabuckthorn. The use of inter- been drastically curtailed. wheat. It was very interesting to record that farmers do not carry cropping also improves the productivity and yields of the crops. out any intercultural operations including weeding. Line-sown crops Much as I hate this new lifestyle, just like any of you, one finds one- support weed control and increase yield by 10 to 30 per cent. In ad- Some of the Organic fertilizers recommendations are as follows: self getting quickly used to the new ways of life. So much so that, dition, stages of crop-weed competition is a critical parameter which Farm yard Vermicom- Poultry Goat/sheep Neem Cake Biofertilizers at times, one enjoys the ‘freedom’ to be ‘all-alone’ and ‘sit within’ determines yield level, and if this period is overlooked for weeding manure post litter manure (PSB, VAM) physically as well mentally! by the farmers, yield will reduce by 20-60 per cent. Mulching or 20 t/ha 1.0 t/ha 30 kl/ ha 20-30 t/ha 2.0 t/ha 10 kg/ha This freedom, the freedom to train oneself mentally, socially and covering fields (of vegetables) with white polythene one month prior 10 q/ kanal 50 kg/ kanal 1500 l/ kanal 1500 kg/ kanal 100 kg/ kanal 0.5 kg/ kanal physically has given us a new angle to a course of life that has more to commencement of season to sprout more weed seeds and incor- thorns than roses. Maybe, we enjoyed and exploited the roses too porate them to increase soil productivity. In high altitude regions Integrated pest management and use of light traps: Vegetables are much, to the point of our being needlessly and unacceptably greedy. like Ladakh, due to low humidity and high solar radiation with short fast-growing succulent plants, and are generally affected by some That may explain why nature has lost its endurance to withstand our length of growing period (LGP), the radiation level is very high to pests, diseases and especially weeds on which they hibernate and prolonged and repeated assaults, and had to declare loud and clear: the tune of 6-7 kWh/mm. For many hours of the day at high eleva- spread on succulent ones. Continuous cultivation on the same patch Thus far and no more! We human beings never learn, maybe not tion, the maximum solar radiation may indeed be well above the of land reduces soil productivity and result in low yields. On the other even try to learn, the lessons of life until we are forced to, and are saturation levels for photosynthesis of C3 plants. In this situation, hand, pose susceptibility to biotic and abiotic stresses. For the purpose, left with no alternative but to coyly admit and submit ourselves to the dictates of nature to live sensibly and in perfect harmony. Coming back to the new kind of ‘freedom’, that we are ‘blessed’ with now, it gives us a great opportunity to look within and without to un- learn and relearn our ways of life so that we are on a course that gives a more sensible and harmonious balance between us and nature. we have learnt now the hard way that if we don’t mind our ways, we are doomed. But Mother Nature is very kind and helpful, and it will give us one more chance and a call to get in sync for a harmonious and holistic living on this planet.

Courtesy: WongWorld The writer is a New Delhi-based Editor-at-large, columnist and pro- Line sown crop improve the crop growth and yield Line planted potato with earthing-up improves tuber yield fessional speaker Reach Ladakh Bulletin Fortnightly Special May 16-31, 2020 | 5

A tribute to the 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche on his 117th birth anniversary

Nawang Tsering Shakspo With that, Prime Minister Bakshi inducted Kushok Bakula into his ministry and accordingly, Kushok Bakula Rinpoche became Deputy Soon after Ladakh was granted the UT status, Minister with the portfolio of Ladakh Affairs. According to reliable Dr. Karan Singh, the former Sadr-i-Riyasat of sources, it was none other than Nehru himself who directed Bakshi Jammu and Kashmir and a close associate of Sahib to create the Ladakh Affairs post in the government. the 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, said: “All empires invariably come to an end, J&K is no As the celebration of the 2500 Buddha Jayanti was drawing near, the exception.” On the other hand, Kushok Bakula Indian Government was looking for a Buddhist religious leader who Rinpoche had forecast long ago that “Ladakh could influence the Buddhist community of India. In 1955, the Indi- would attain the UT status, though there could be some delay, adding an Government sent Kushok Bakula to Tibet to assess the situation that the destiny lies in its separation from the Jammu and Kashmir there, on account of the massive Chinese build-up in Tibet and the State". Red Army intrusion in that country. The Government of India also nominated Kushok Bakula as a member of the National Committee Padma Bhushan 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche (1917-2003), a saint for Buddha Jayanti celebration in the year 1956, headed by the then and scholar from Ladakh, remained a pre-eminent religious and po- Vice-President of India, Dr. Sarva Pali Radhakrishanan. litical figure in Ladakh for over half a century, marked by great so- cial and political changes. More than any other person, he influenced 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche (19th of May 1917- 4th of November 2004) With the 1962 India-China war, Ladakh became a sensitive border events and public opinion through his religious, cultural, educational region. Nehru visited Leh, and flew with Kushok Bakula to , and political leadership. He was the 19th incarnation of Arhat Ba- against the discriminatory policies of the State government towards in Ladakh, to meet the soldiers, landing on an airstrip built on barren kula, and he obtained the highest degree in Buddhist metaphysics. Ladakh on December 12, 1952, in the Legislative Assembly of the land in a region which is considered inaccessible in Ladakh even Until 1947, his life was that of a Buddhist monk, occupied by reli- state, and in the presence of Sheikh Abdullah, the then Wazir-e-Azam today. Kushok Bakula Rinpoche propagated the meaning of mod- gious studies and spiritual and monastic affairs. But with the coming (Prime Minister) of the state. While delivering the speech, Sheikh Sa- ern education in the region at a time when the people of Ladakh of independence and the tragic aftermath of the Pakistani attack on hib interrupted Kushok Bakula and wanted him to sit and keep quiet, were carrying on an isolated way of life, far from the reaches of the region in 1947- 48, isolated Ladakh and its peace-loving people but the Speaker of the House, Ghulam Mohammed Saddiq, declined scientific discoveries, mass communication and transport. Before were drawn into the vortex of history, and Kushok Bakula felt im- to stop him from speaking. Later, Sheikh Abdullah acknowledged the his stepping into politics, only a few schools were functioning in pelled to extend his influence beyond the realm of religion. Urged issue in a formal meeting with Kushok Bakula. Kushok Bakula quick- the region. Those that did exist had a small number of enrolled stu- to do so by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the then first Prime Minister ly emerged as the undisputed leader of Ladakh, as well as an important dents. He toured every corner of Ladakh to teach the people about of India, he played an active part in public life and emerged as the Buddhist leader of the country. the importance of education in the democratic setup of the country. undisputed political, religious and social leader of Ladakh. In fact, he linked the well-being of the population of the region with With this event, as well as his charismatic personality, he left a last- modern education. Kushok Bakula was the founder of the Buddhist Philosophy School, ing impression on Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of today known as the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies, Leh, a India. On seeing the two coming closer, Kashmiri leaders like Sheikh Apart from his parliamentary and political activities, Kushok Ba- deemed university under the Ministry of Culture, Government of Abdullah became increasingly frustrated and tried their best to un- kula took a keen interest in the affairs of international Buddhism India. He was also a member of the Syndicate of Kashmir Universi- dermine Kushok Bakula’s creditability. On the other hand, Kushok and contributed to strengthening India’s relationship with the rest ty, Srinagar, and a board member of the Namgyal Institute of Tibe- Bakula dared Sheikh Abdullah to take on the Ladakh issue and never of the Buddhist world. He was a pioneer and a tall Buddhist figure tology, in Gangtok, Sikkim. He was also a founding member of the hesitated to place his views on the affairs related to Ladakh for the who strived hard for inter-faith dialogue, the peace movement and prestigious Tibet House, a cultural and literary institution of HH the consideration of the Prime Minister of India. The amount of pressure issues concerning ecology and the environment. Due to the long Dalai Lama, Chokhang Vihara, the Headquarter of Ladakh Buddhist he put on the leaders of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir could struggle under the dynamic leadership of Kushok Bakula, Ladakhis Association and the prestigious Ladakh Buddhist Vihara, Kashmiri be judged from the conversation held between Pandit Nehru and Bak- obtained Schedule Tribe status, which helped the students of Ladakh Gate ISBT, New Delhi. shi Ghhulam Mohammed, who later became the Prime Minister of in gaining admission and scholarship in various universities across the country. Again, thanks to the hard struggle undertaken by the In the year 1949, Kushok Bakula joined the mainstream of Indian Jammu and Kashmir in the aftermath of the dismissal of Sheikh Ab- people under the leadership of Kushok Bakula, two Ladakh Autono- politics and became a legislator in the Jammu and Kashmir State dullah from the post. Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad proposed to Nehru mous Hill Development Councils, one each at Leh and Kargil, were Assembly, and later a minister and then was elected to the Lok Sabha that the “Centre should take over the as it formed with 30 Councilors each. from the Ladakh Parliamentary Constituency. He boldly spoke out was impossible for any government in Srinagar to do full justice to the cause of the Ladakhis.” ...Continues on Page 6 LG stresses to run selected projects on Nodal Officers working hard to assist PPP mode evacuate passengers

Reach Ladakh Correspondent with local military authority to Moses Kunzang, Director ULB, Leh: R.K. Mathur, Lieutenant outsource their manufacturing Ladakh and Incharge Director Governor of Ladakh, chaired and other service-related works Industries & Commerce, Handi- meetings of Departments of In- to new local industry to be de- crafts & Handlooms along with dustries & Commerce, Hand- veloped. concerned district officers at- tended the meeting. icrafts & Handlooms, Urban Lt Governor exhorted to explore Local bodies and Rural Develop- possibilities of Private-Pub- Lt. Governor directed the Ru- Reach Ladakh Correspondent officers on May 14, 33 Ladakhi shana Kannada started their jour- ment Department at Raj Niwas lic-Partnership (PPP) mode in ral Development Department to stranded passengers of Leh and ney towards Bangalore last night on May 14. Leh: Nodal Officers assigned by running projects like cold stor- timely execute the projects under the UT Administration Ladakh Kargil, who come from Goa, to board the Bangalore-Udum- The meetings were attended by age, milk pasteurization plant national flagship schemes for the are working hard to assist evacu- left for Ladakh by three tempo pur special train. etc. year 2020-21. He said that the travellers. About 36 buses from Umang Narula, Advisor to Lt. ate those who wish to travel back Similarly, 12 students from Department’s problems of filling various parts of the country Governor; Saugat Biswas, Di- He further directed the Depart- to Ladakh. Prayagraj UP left for Jammu last up the posts of BDOs and Junior such as Varanasi, Jammu, Uttra- visional Commissioner Ladakh, ment of Handicrafts & Hand- night and as per the last update Engineers should be addressed They are going beyond their khand, Chandigarh, and Delhi Directors and District Officers of looms to work on a design of they have reached Haryana. early, to the extent feasible. He assigned job in assisting them and counting have left Jammu the concerned departments. Handicraft Village. Concerning instructed the Director to clear in their travel, stay, food and for Leh and Kargil districts. Res- ULB, he advised initiating mea- The Shramik Train, arranged While discussing the Depart- the liabilities under MGNREGA safety and providing mental as- idents from Bhopal and Uttra- sures to develop a Leh master specially for Ladakhi residents, ment of Industries & Commerce, for the year 2016-17 at the ear- surance of sending them back khand are on their way to Lada- plan, to improve the Swachh from Nagpur to Udumpur is now Lt. Governor directed to form liest. home. They are doing all of kh via Jammu. Survekshan ranking for UT La- rescheduled to depart at mid- a committee to work on a strat- these with adherence to the laid night due to delay in reaching of dakh and to ensure proper coor- Taher Hussain, Director RDD, On May 13, 23 stranded people egy to promote value addition down norm of social distancing passengers from other states. It dination with allied departments Ladakh and concerned officer of Kargil from Tiruppur, Tamil of seabuckthorn. He also gave and hygiene. was earlier scheduled to depart in planning city projects. attended the meeting. Nadu and 25 stranded pilgrims directions to take up a proposal at 2 during the day. As per the reports by the nodal and monks from Mundgod Dak- 6 | May 16-31, 2020 Fortnightly News Reach Ladakh Bulletin

UT Administration, Ladakh, sanctions ₹ 1 crore each for Leh and Advisor launches education mobile app for evacuation of Ladakhi stranded passengers CEC and Com/Secy. addresses evacuation plans and clarifies confusions ‘dselonlineeducation’ be shared on different Whatsapp during evacuation and for the groups of students and teachers. accommodation of inbound pas- sengers from other states, La- Mumtaz Ali further informed dakh House, Kargil House and about the commencement of Muthi Hostel are now open for classes for class 10th, 11th and stranded passengers at Jammu 12th through All India Radio Leh having around capacity for 400 and Kargil from the first week of people. April with a time slot of one hour on AIR Leh and half an hour on "At Sonamarg where stay of pas- Reach Ladakh Correspondent during the lockdown. He sug- AIR Kargil. He requested for en- sengers is compulsory, UT J&K Leh: Online education mobile gested an offline module to reach hancement of time slot to three has allotted youth hostel having app of School Education Depart- out to the students of far off areas. hours at both the stations. Also, a capacity for 300 passengers ment Ladakh, ‘dselonlineeduca- Giving detail about the mobile he requested Doordarshan Leh and as per need additional fa- tion’ was launched by Umang app” Director Education, Mum- for the allocation of a time slot cilities will be explored in close Narula, Advisor on May 1 at UT Reach Ladakh Correspondent patients and elderly people who taz Ali said that the app is spe- for telecasting the lectures in coordination with both the Hill Secretariat. could not commute by road is cially developed for students of Science and Math’s subjects. Leh: In a joint press conference, Councils", added Samphel under process. Secretary School & Technical Ed- class 1st to 9th, by DIET Kargil. Gyal P. Wangyal, Chairman/ He detailed the steps taken by the To ensure safe journey and to ucation Ladakh, Saugat Biswas; The recorded educational con- CEC, Hill Council , Leh and Rigzin Samphel, Commission- School Education Department avoid rush at Jammu and oth- Director Education Mumtaz Ali, tents are cross checked by the Rigzin Samphel, Commission- er Secretary UT Ladakh said during lockdown. He further er facilities En route, Samphel Scientist B, National Informatics experts before uploading. er Secretary UT Ladakh briefed that with the sanctioning of ₹ added that an organization with urged stranded passengers to Centre Leh, Phunchok Paldan, media about the evacuation of 1:00 crore each to both the dis- Parents /students can install the name of “EMBIBE BAN- leave their stations only in coor- and officials of the Education de- stranded Ladakhi people from tricts, all confusion regarding fi- this application on their smart- GALORE” has been roped in dination with concerned Nodal partment were also present. various cities of India and clar- nance-related problem has been phones. Online classes and re- for providing the online classes Officers or with UT Administra- ified confusions regarding evac- now resolved and all expenditure Umang Narula said that the app corded contents will be uploaded to the students of 11th and 12th tion/ Hill Councils. uation process on May 5. cost incurred on transportation, will be beneficial for students on YouTube and the links will through ‘webnair’ free of cost. lodging, boarding and food will CEC Wangyal said that after as- Regarding evacuation of strand- be borne by UT Administration surance given by R.K Mathur, ed people and students from Ladakh while evacuating strand- LG Ladakh on May 4 regarding south India, Samphel said that ed people. A Tribute to the 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche sanctioning of funds for Hill UT Administration Ladakh is in Council, Leh, Finance depart- Samphel said that evacuation of touch with Indian Railways and on his 117th Birth Anniversary ment Ladakh sanctioned ₹ 1:00 patients and elderly people of trying to accommodate Ladakhi Crore each to Leh and Kargil Ladakh via flights is on top pri- passengers in dedicated trains had visited Leh on 10th of June, 2005 to rename the Hill Councils in the first in- ority and said that he is hopeful meant for other states and nodal ...Continued from page 5 Leh airport in honour of Bakula Rinpoche. Speak- stallment for the evacuation of to evacuate patients in Indian Air officers appointed in south India Kushok Bakula’s vision for Ladakhis was much ing on the occasion, he said: “In doing so [dedi- stranded Ladakhi people and if Force flights in coming days and will coordinate with stranded beyond the ST and LAHDC status. He wanted to cating this airport], we pay tribute to the memory needed additional funds will be for the execution of evacuation passengers when we will get con- see that Ladakh is separated from the State of Jam- of the most Venerable Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, released by UT Administration. plans both Hill Council, Leh and firmation from Indian Railways. mu and Kashmir and obtain Union Territory status. the architect of modern Ladakh. Venerable Kush- Kargil will coordinate with UT Wangyal said that UT Adminis- Regarding quarantine of inbound Though Kushok Bakula passed away in 2003, his ok Bakula was a noble saint, a teacher, a patriot, Administration as the maximum tration has also assured to take passengers, Samphel said that prediction for Ladakh started coming true. First, in a beloved leader, a true Buddhist and, above all, number of stranded people are in up the demand for airlifting pa- passengers coming from non-red a significant political as well as administrative de- a great Indian. It is only appropriate that we name touch with Hill Councils. tients and elderly people in army zones will be home quarantined velopment, on February 8th, 2019, the Jammu and this airport, the link between the high Himalayas flights with Ministry of Defense Samphel said that Jammu will and for passengers coming from Kashmir Governor, Satya Pal Malik, granted the and the world below, after this son of Ladakh and and Ministry of Home Affairs gradually become a hub for red zones, a policy is in under Divisional Status to Ladakh region, separating it this man of God.” GoI for which listing of such stranded people of Ladakh process. from the Kashmir Division. Soon after that, on Au- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing gust 5, 2019, the Government of India revoked the the Mongolian Parliament in June, 2015, said most special status or autonomy of the J&K State grant- appropriately: “The relation between Mongolia ed under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, and India lives through the work of Kushok Bakula declared Ladakh as a Union Territory, completely L-G chairs departmental meetings Rinpoche, India’s ambassador here from 1990 to separating it from the administrative bullying of the 2000. The Pethub Monastery he established here Reach Ladakh Correspondent erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir Government. will be an enduring symbol of our links.” Leh: Lieutenant Governor, R.K. Kushok Bakula was thus a great visionary leader In 1986, in recognition to his services to the nation, Mathur discussed the annu- and a statesman of Ladakh. In fact, he has been de- the President of India conferred the prestigious al plan, expenditure targets of scribed as the ‘Architect of Modern Ladakh’. When Padma Bhushan award on him. Horticulture, Cooperatives and he passed away on 4th Nov, 2003, Atal Bihari Va- PWD departments on May 13 at jpayee, while offering his condolences, wrote: “In The grateful people of Ladakh, and Buddhists all Raj Niwas. the passing away of the most Venerable Kushok over the world, will fondly remember and pay trib- The meeting also discussed the Bakula, an eminent Buddhist scholar, a saint, a utes to Kushok Bakula, on May 19, 2020, his 117th implementation of decisions guide and a source of inspiration for all, is lost. It birth anniversary. made in the previous meetings. is difficult to imagine Ladakh without Kushok Ba- kulaji.” The writer Nawang Tsering Shakspo is the Director Umang Narula, Advisor to Lt. of Centre for Research on Ladakh, Leh-Ladakh. Governor; Rigzin Samphel, The then Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, Commissioner Secretary Lada- Director Horticulture Lada- promptly addressed. The works kh; Directors and District Of- kh; Tarvinder Singh; Director should continue during winters. ficers of the concerned depart- DRDO; O.P. Chaurasia, Chief Improved cultivation practices for better livelihood in Ladakh He stressed on Department of ments were present. Horticulture Officer, Leh and Cooperatives to start adequate competition. Weed index (percent) also showed Sr. Scientist from DRDO, Leh; ...Continued from page 4 While discussing the agendas of and timely stocking of essential that the weedy condition and farmers’ method have Chief Engineer, PWD, P.L. An- Horticulture Department, R K commodities for winters with sity of the region. These banks usually collect and resulted in almost 40 to 51 per cent reduction in the gurana; Superintendent Engi- Mathur emphasized on taking in- proper planning. He directed store traditional seeds from a wide range of indi- tuber yield. Hand-weeding + earthing up at 25 days neer, PWD, Pradeep Kumar Leh; novative measures to promote the them to work on a proposal for viduals. Ladakh is such a sector of huge genetic recorded 16.99 t/ha yield which is 64 and 100 per Additional Registrar Anil Koul cultivation of aromatic and me- airlifting of vegetables in winters diversity and resources, and need conservation as cent more than weedy (control) and farmers’ meth- and Dy. Registrar Leh were pres- dicinal plants on the hills across for public requirements. the local varieties have a high degree of adaptation od. Such efforts could help in reducing gaps in crop ent in the meeting. Ladakh and to focus on maximiz- and genetic diversity to environmental stresses and and vegetable production. The department informed about ing farmer’s income. He exhorted While discussing PWD, R K changes. CAZRI has recently established commu- a proposal for a milk pasteuriza- Similarly, adoption of suitable weed control op- DRDO to lend technical expertise Mathur directed to clear lia- nity seed bank in Stakmo village and the farmers tion plant in Kargil, 5 milk chill- tions along with the use of appropriate fertilisation to the Horticulture Department in bilities of contractors under have deposited Ladakhi traditional seeds like bar- ing machines for Leh and Kargil and use of high yielding crop varieties including pest management, particularly for languishing projects within a ley, cumin etc. and construction of feed shed improved production packages can enhance the apricots and apples to make these month. He exhorted the depart- projects in , and ICAR-CAZRI’s interventions and field results productivity to a significant level. More and more indigenous fruits suitable for ex- ment to gear up and initiate plan- Zanskar. Field trials showed that in onion, var. Red Coral training and exposure visits should be organized by port outside Ladakh. ning processes of new works un- performed significantly better. Hand-weeding has all the departments to uplift the farmers. der the budget plan of 2020-21. Series of departmental meetings Discussion on expanding Hor- yielded significantly at par bulb yield of 20.31 t/ He asked them to ensure daily started from May 11 at Raj Ni- M.S. Raghuvanshi1, Anurag Saxena2, Stanzin ticulture, construction of poly- ha with chemical weed treatment. In case of pota- submission of progress to the was. Department of Power De- Landol2, Rigzin Dorje2, Mohd. Raza2, Ngawang carbonate greenhouses, organ- to, maximum tuber yield was recorded under black Commissioner Secretary. velopment, Renewable Energy, Dorjay2, Enoch Spalbar2, Dipankar Saha2 ic farming, water resource, polythene mulch (21.65 t/ha) followed by hand Higher Education, CA&PD, post-harvest management and so- R K Mathur said that any prob- hoeing 30 days after sowing (19.13 t/ha). Higher Irrigation & Flood Control and 1 ICAR-National Bureau of Soil Survey and land lar dryer as major projects under lem of labour, material and yield of potato can be expected if weeds are sup- Youth Services & Sports also use Planning, Nagpur-440033(Maharashtra) the proposed budget outlay for machinery in the execution pressed using black polyethylene mulch between attended the meeting in the last 2 the year 2020-21 was carried out. of planned projects should be the rows of potato followed by hand hoeing and Regional Research Station, Central Arid Zone Re- two days. earthing-up during the critical period of crop-weed search Institute, Leh UT of Ladakh-194 201 Reach Ladakh Bulletin Advertisement May 16-31, 2020 | 7 8 | May 16-31, 2020 Advertisement Reach Ladakh Bulletin

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