Chapter 1

Overview of the Agriculture Sector in

1.1 purpose. Production of unique natural resources such as District Leh in the state of & is situated apricot, apple and off-season vegetable remain limited in trans-Himalaya. The high mountain district is due to water scarcity and poor market linkages. Due to its characterized by a rugged topography at an altitude unique climatic conditions, there is glut of farm produce ranging from 2900 to 5900 meters above sea level. It has in August and September, while there is no availability of a vast geographical area of 45100 km2, which is larger fresh fruits and vegetables during the rest of the year. than that of State. Leh is bounded by Domestic food production is unable to meet the demand occupied Kashmir in the west, in the North and of the increasing population in the district. Leh gets eastern part, and Lahaul Spiti of in the approximately 73% of its food grain from outside the south east. It is at a distance of 434 kilometres from region. The vegetable import dependency is and 474 kilometres from Manali (Himachal approximately 67%, while that of fruit is approximately Pradesh). 85%. Therefore, self-sufciency in food is an important issue for the region. Meeting the demand of the region by Leh district is separated from the Indian subcontinent by local production is a difcult task. Importing of goods to the Great Himalayan Range and edged by the Karakoram Ladakh necessitates the shipping by trucks across the Range to the North. The region is characterized by , with passes as high as 5300 m, covering the extreme temperature variations, low precipitation mostly distance of Manali to Leh (474 km) or Srinagar to Leh in the form of snow, high wind velocity, sparse plant (434 km). density, thin atmosphere with high UV-radiation and fragile ecosystem. The temperature often drops down to - The total cropped area in Leh district is 10,223 Ha and 30ºC in winter. Long harsh winters reduce the cropping thus only 0.2% of the total geographical area is under season to just four to ve months in a year. cultivation. Similarly, the area under forest cover is 1.2 Agriculture Sector in Leh District meagre 0.064%. Moreover, Ladakh's oating population is increasing rapidly in addition to the local populace and Agriculture in Leh Ladakh is a way of life for the agrarian population and nearly 70% population is directly or the troops deployed in the region. Majority of the indirectly dependent on this sector. Despite the vast households have small land holding; 49.4% households geographical area, 62% of the households has less than 1 have less than 0.5 ha land. Population growth competes ha cultivable land. Single-cropping is dominant, as with cultivable land available for agriculture and for double-cropping is possible only in a limited area falling water resources. Value of land has increased to the point below an altitude of approximately 3000 m. Agriculture where return from agriculture/horticulture production is production is entirely based on irrigation. Glaciers are unable to compete with other developmental activities the main source of water for irrigation and the rivers that especially in the areas coming under urbanization. ow in the region remain underutilized for agricultural

Table 1: Leh Ladakh at a glance Particular Area/ nos Major crops/ heads/ Percent distribution Total geographical area 45110 km2 - Altitude 2900-5900 m Blocks 16 Villages 113 - Panchayat 95

Ladakh Organic Policy 1 Overview of the Agriculture Sector in Leh Ladakh

Table 1: Leh Ladakh at a glance Particular Area/ nos Major crops/ heads/ Percent distribution Population 1,33,487 nos. Male (78971 nos.), female (54516 nos.) Literacy rate 77.2% Area under forest 29 Km2 Willow, poplar, Seabuckthorn Total cropped area 10,223 Ha Wheat (2415 ha), barley (3631 ha), pulses (118 ha), vegetable (629 ha), oil seeds (71 ha), fodder (2289 ha) Gross area irrigated 10,223 Ha - Number of fruit trees 1,75,354 nos Apricot (1,11,477 nos.), apple (60,555 nos.), others (3,322 nos.) Agricultural land % Below 0.5 ha (49.4%), 0.5-1.0 ha (10.2%), 1.0-2.0 ha holding per household (20.2%), 2.0-3.0 ha (9.9%), 3.0-4.0 ha (4.9%), 4.0-5.0 ha (2.3%), 5.0-7.5 ha (1.9%), 7.5-10 ha (0.7%), 10-20 ha (0.3%), above 20 ha (0.3%) Fertilizer use 533 MT (in 2018) Urea (288 MT), DAP (230 MT), MOP (15 MT) Pesticide use 98.7 litre (in 2018) - Sheep & goat 2,04,751 nos. Sheep (70,619 nos.), goat (1,34,132 nos.) Cattle, Yak, Dzo-Dzomos, 90,864 nos Cattle (45,381 nos), Yak, Dzo-Dzomos (18721 nos.), Donkey, Pony, Poultry Donkey (6,077 nos), Pony (5,321 nos.), Poultry (15,364 nos.)

Vegetable Cultivation: Cooperative Marketing Society. Ladakh region is known In late 1960s only ve types of vegetables were grown in for production of off-season vegetables such as broccoli, the region. Recently, feasibility of growing 101 types of cabbage, cauliower, peas. However, due to poor market vegetable has been demonstrated. Farmers in Ladakh are linkage, large-scale production of vegetable as off- growing 23 types of vegetable on commercial scale and season crops has not gained momentum in the region. supplying to Army in the region through Farmers

Table 2: Production and area under different vegetables crop cultivation in Leh Ladakh (2016) Crop Production Area MT % Ha % Onion 402 3.4 37 6.6 Cabbage 397 3.3 21 3.7 Cauliower 212 1.8 17 3.0 Carrot 242 2.0 23 4.1 Radish 95 0.8 6 1.1 Beans 40 0.3 12 2.1 Cucurbits 34 0.3 2 0.4 Potato 8970 75.6 253 44.8 Pea 1269 10.7 169 30.0 Others 206 1.7 24 4.3

Fruit Production clear sky and high diurnal temperature variation during Apricot and apple are the two major fruit crops of the growing season. However, the production of the amount region, and are prized for their quality. The climatic of fruit to meet the requirements to sustain a small and condition is highly congenial for the production of cottage scale industry, although in infancy, is on gradual quality apricot and apple owing to long fruiting season, increase. Historically, the premium quality dried apricots

2 Ladakh Organic Policy Overview of the Agriculture Sector in Leh Ladakh

are used as one of the main trading commodity with scale production and marketing of quality organic apricot neighboring countries. Recently, Raktsey Karpo, and apple from Ladakh. Recently, production has also apricots with white seed coat, has been identied as started for organically grown high quality melon in the unique genetic resource of Ladakh and the world's region. sweetest apricots. There is immense potential for large-

Table 3: Fruit trees in different Blocks of Leh district (numbers) Name of Block Apricot Apple Others Total Chuchot 2118 3874 142 6134 6523 8866 Nil 15389 150 40 Nil 190 Khalsi 28640 11959 989 41588 Kharu 1750 1830 1 3581 Leh 1918 2767 53 4738 Nimoo 7543 6071 224 13838 Nil Nil Nil Nil Panamik 4358 4965 Nil 9323 Rong- 1738 561 1 2300 Rupsho-Puga Nil Nil Nil Nil Saspol 5888 5056 305 11249 Singaylalok 3152 343 23 3518 Skurbuchan 24594 4389 504 29487 1586 2864 20 4470 20285 4266 929 25480 Leh town 1233 2704 131 4068 TOTAL 111477 60555 3322 175354

Seabuckthorn: Underutilized wild shrub activity under Mission for Integrated Development of Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is an Horticulture (MIDH) scheme of Ministry of Agriculture ecologically and economically important native plant. It and Farmers Welfare, Government of . grows naturally in Ladakh without much of human Cereal crops interference. Recent discovery of the health benets, Wheat and barley are the traditional crops of Ladakh, and although being used as ingredients in traditional continued to be the staple food of the people. Cereals are medicine, fetches a premium price even at the harvesting grown for twin purpose of food and fodder. Of the total sites. Large-scale cultivation of Seabuckthorn has the 10223 Ha under cultivation, wheat (2415 Ha) and barley potential to be a key means for sustainable development (3632 Ha) occupy 59.2% of the total cropped areas. of cold desert of Ladakh. Currently the demand for However, in view of easy and cheap availability of wheat Seabuckthorn of the region exceeds the supply. from Public Distribution System (PDS), interest among Cultivation of Seabuckthorn on 2500 ha is estimated to farmers in growing wheat crop is slowly declining. fetch a net income of Rs 491 crore annually. Recently, Organic certication will ensure higher returns. Seabuckthorn has also been included as horticultural

Ladakh Organic Policy 3 Overview of the Agriculture Sector in Leh Ladakh

Pulses Fodder Pulses can be grown successfully in Ladakh condition. Fodder is the backbone of agriculture and animal However, it occupies only 1.2% of the total cropped areas husbandry industry in Ladakh. Cultivated fodder in Leh district. The State Agriculture Department is occupies 22.4% (2290 Ha) of the total cropped areas. The region is known for high quality alfa-alfa, which is a rich promoting growing of pulses in the region and area under source of protein. Dried alfa-alfa is traditionally used as pulses is slowly increasing. Rajma grown in the region is the main source of fodder during winter months. There is of high quality. It cooks fast and taste very good. It is a a need to increase area under fodder cultivation for a low risk crop, and can be marketed as premium organic sustainable organic farming system in the district. produce of Ladakh. Table 4: Area under different crops in Leh district (Ha) Crop Name of Block Total Wheat Barley Pulses Vegetable Oil seed Fodder Fruit Others Chuchot 740.75 392 9 18.4 0 328.4 31.8 0 1520.4 Diskit 263.1 172.3 14 21.2 26 345.2 66.5 15 923.3 Durbuk 0 163.3 1 6.5 0 188.2 0.8 0 359.8 Khalsi 41 357.4 16.2 39.7 0 100.4 175.2 28.5 758.4 Kharu 37 803.7 11.5 133.4 14.8 277.8 14.3 0 1292.5 Leh 408.1 68.3 6.7 71.5 0 100.4 23.0 0 678 Nimoo 176 362.5 14.1 41.0 0 122.5 57.1 0 773.2 Nyoma 0 156.5 0 1.5 0 71 0 0 229 Panamik 190 15 19 76 21 214 25.5 0 560.5 Rong-Chumathang 0 201.8 1.5 4.2 0 56.2 12.4 0 276.1 Rupsho-Puga 0 9.5 0 0.1 0 22.5 0 0 32.1 Saspol 8.7 249 4.5 36.1 9 53.5 56.5 25 442.3 Singaylalok 13.8 212.8 2.1 5.3 0 63.8 17.9 0 315.7 Skurbuchan 0 388.8 12.6 65 0 94.6 193.1 177 931.1 Thiksey 453.1 31.5 0 18.1 0 103.3 17.9 0 623.9 Turtuk 23 47 1 29 0 16 113.7 1 230.7 Leh town 60 0 5 62 0 132 16.6 0 275.6 TOTAL 2414.5 3631.4 118.2 629 70.8 2289.8 822.3 246.5 10222.6

Passive Solar Greenhouse Major Insect Pest and Diseases Passive solar greenhouses are used extensively in Incidence of insect pests and diseases in the cold arid Ladakh for production of leafy vegetables from October region is low due to low temperature and relative to March and for early nursery raising from March to humidity. However, incidence of codling moth, leaf April. Recently, DRDO has established its DIHAR curling aphid, defoliating caterpillar (Euproctis spp.) and Greenhouse, wherein crops such as cauliower, cabbage, gummosis are major problems of fruit trees. Loose smut tomato and mushroom can be grown even during peak is a major disease of cereals in the region, while in winter months. The State Agriculture Department, vegetables incidence of cut worm, onion maggot, aphid, Horticulture Department and Ladakh Renewable Energy cabbage buttery are major insect pests. Development Agency are providing subsidy to local Fertilizer Use farmers for adoption of greenhouse technology. There is Data available from Cooperative Department, LAHDC a need to establish commercial size greenhouses, such as Leh shows considerable reduction in overall fertilizer DIHAR Greenhouse, on large scale to have a visible impact. use in the district from 787.0 MT in 2015 to 532.7 MT in

4 Ladakh Organic Policy Overview of the Agriculture Sector in Leh Ladakh

2018. There has been a considerable variation in of inorganic agriculture is not that rigorous as compared chemical fertilizer use across blocks, with a zero demand to that in other parts of the country. While the national for Rupsho-Puga and Singaylalok blocks , and the average for fertilizer use during 2016-17 was 123 kg/ha, highest in Leh, Chuchot, Kharu and Turtuk blocks. it was only 52.1 kg/ha in Leh district during 2017-18. Farmers closer to Leh town are more likely to apply This auger well for agriculture in Leh in terms of the inorganic fertilizer. Of the chemical fertilizers already low levels of consumption of hazardous distributed in Leh Ladakh, urea has emerged as the most chemicals and, therefore, the chances of succeeding in favourite chemical nutrient. There is rich potential for motivating the farmers to adopt organic agriculture are adoption of organic farming in Leh district as the practice quite high.

Table 5: Year wise chemical fertilizer use in Leh District (Unit Quintal) Year Urea DAP MOP Total 2018 2884 2296 147 5,327 2017 3100 3099 25 6,224 2016 3100 3000 49 6,149 2015 3634 2705 81 6,420 2014 3498 2922 83 6,503 2013 3606 3378 107 7,091 2012 3689 3489 142 7,320 2011 3547 3177 10 6,734 2010 3735 3341 165 7,241 2009 4058 3187 119 7,364 2008 3660 2719 75 6,454 2007 3748 2965 01 6,714 2006 3710 2626 08 6,344 2005 3537 2566 10 6,113 2004 3570 2430 68 6,068 2003 2296 1842 Nil 4,138 2002 3756 2245 32 6,033 2001 4003 2035 71 6,109 2000 3693 1894 Nil 5,587 1999 5542 2352 08 7,902 1998 7055 2830 55 9,940 1997 4310 1563 106 5,979 1996 4567 1345 01 5,913 1995 5814 1809 19 7,642 1994 3741 1034 13 4,788 1993 3544 594 33 4,171 1992 4369 2237 90 6,696 1991 4175 2157 52 6,384 1990 3537 1795 37 5,369

Ladakh Organic Policy 5 Overview of the Agriculture Sector in Leh Ladakh

Table 6: Cost incurred on purchase of chemical fertilizer in Leh District (Rupees) Year Fertilizer cost Transportation cost Other costs Total cost 2018 83,31,124/- 9,84,099/- 5,37,885/- 98,53,108/- 2017 83,58,482/- 8,57,679/- 5,62,500/- 97,78,669/- 2016 97,99,950/- 10,16,900/- 5,62,500/- 1,13,79,350/-

Table 7: Use of chemical fertilizer in different Blocks during the last three years (2016-18) (Unit: Quintals) Name of Block 2016 2017 2018 Chuchot 847 793 723 Diskit 487.5 493.5 412.5 Durbuk 431.5 431.5 396 Khalsi 119 128.5 152.5 Kharu 840.5 710.5 605 Leh + Leh town 889.5 1294.5 1059 Nimoo 424 374 299 Nyoma 50 50 53.5 Panamik 190.5 185.5 154 Rong-Chumathang 221 221 146.75 Rupsho-Puga Nil Nil Nil Saspol 270.5 295.5 245 Singaylalok Nil Nil Nil Skurbuchan 195.5 152 129.5 Thiksey 495 398 331 Turtuk 680 780 591.5

Insecticide and herbicide use Khalsi, Skurbuchan and Turtuk blocks showing the Data available with Agriculture Department and highest. It is to be noted that there are a total of 34 villages Horticulture Department, LAHDC Leh shows low use of across Leh district in which no chemical fertilizer and insecticides i.e 980.7 litre in 2018 and 535 litre pesticides have ever been used. The amount of pesticide consumption of herbicide. There has been considerable use in Leh district is low as compared to that of national variation in pesticide use across blocks, with Durbuk, average. While the national average consumption of Nyoma, Rong-Chumathang, Rupsho-Puga and pesticide during 2014-15 was 0.29 kg/ha, it was only Singaylalok blocks showing zero demand, and Panamik, 0.096 kg/ha in Leh district.

Table 8: Insecticide and herbicide use in different Blocks of Leh district for the year 2017-18 (Unit: litre)

Insecticides Name of Block Herbicide Total Agriculture Deptt Horticulture Deptt Chuchot 36 05 Nil 41 Diskit 54 15 25 94 Durbuk Nil Nil Nil 0 Khalsi 60.5 200 Nil 260.5 Kharu 83 02 Nil 85 Leh 43 10 Nil 53

6 Ladakh Organic Policy Overview of the Agriculture Sector in Leh Ladakh

Table 8: Insecticide and herbicide use in different Blocks of Leh district for the year 2017-18 (Unit: litre)

Insecticides Name of Block Herbicide Total Agriculture Deptt Horticulture Deptt Nimoo 53 10 Nil 63 Nyoma Nil Nil Nil 0 Panamik 50 05 460 515 Rong-Chumathang Nil Nil Nil 0 Rupsho-Puga Nil Nil Nil 0 Saspol 8.7 05 Nil 13.7 Singaylalok Nil Nil Nil 0 Skurbuchan 8.5 200 Nil 208.5 Thiksey 51 08 Nil 59 Turtuk 42 15 50 107 Leh town 06 10 Nil 16 TOTAL 495.7 485.0 535 1515.7

Livestock number of livestock across blocks, with Nyoma, Farmers mostly practice mixed farming where livestock Rupsho-Puga and Durbuk showing the highest number, is reared as an integral part of the system for food and and Leh, Thiksey and Rong-Chumathang showing the manure. There has been considerable variation in lowest. Table 9: Livestock population in Leh district Zho, Zomos, Pony Donkey Poultry Sheep Goat Name of Block Cattle Yak Total Chuchot 4218 0 81 374 15351 3468 1315 24807 Diskit 6129 2092 147 664 0 6010 8269 23311 Durbuk 2866 4272 1274 145 0 10176 35438 54171 Khalsi 2188 585 15 1348 13 2928 1618 8695 Kharu 5134 863 150 140 0 1125 4338 11750 Leh 2372 1 14 272 0 617 260 3536 Nimoo 2760 183 316 275 0 1744 643 5921 Nyoma 1097 2041 936 97 0 15811 40055 60037 Panamik 4613 2 76 225 0 2087 1836 8839 Rong-Chumathang 1418 533 79 118 0 380 1283 3811 Rupsho-Puga 154 6437 956 133 0 18877 32211 58768 Saspol 1415 85 24 132 0 423 33 2112 Singaylalok 3996 1284 317 1165 0 2738 1812 11312 Skurbuchan 1403 58 12 180 0 2256 1595 5504 Thiksey 2261 10 10 87 0 507 150 3025 Turtuk 1590 218 816 708 0 1394 3229 7955 Leh Town 1767 57 98 14 0 78 47 2061 TOTAL 45381 18721 5321 6077 15364 70619 134132 295615

Ladakh Organic Policy 7 Overview of the Agriculture Sector in Leh Ladakh

1.3 SWOT analysis of agriculture in Leh Ladakh Strength Weakness i. The cold desert region is endowed with agro- i. T h e c o l d d e s e r t r e g i o n s u ff e r e d f r o m climatic conditions that are conducive to grow inaccessibility especially during winter months. several high value crops such as apple, apricot, Due to vast area, not all villages are well connected. seabuckthorn, buckwheat. ii. The harsh climatic conditions limits the cropping ii. There are vast tracts of cultivable waste land that season to one crop season only. can be used for horizontal expansion of area for iii. Due to low precipitation, cultivation is conned to agriculture. areas that can be irrigated. iii. There are plenty of water resources such as iv. There is a limited area under fodder cultivation and glaciers, streams and rivers that have not been grassland for livestock rearing. tapped in the region. If used judiciously, the water resources can substantially augment area under v. Damage caused by spring frost is a major problem crop cultivation. in cold desert region. iv. The application of conventional agrochemicals vi. Restrictions on the movement of apple and apricot (fertilizers and pesticides) is relatively limited. from Ladakh are a major hindrance for While the national average consumption of development of fruit industry in the region. fertilizer during 2016-17 was 123 kg/ha, it was vii. Weak processing and value addition infrastructure. only 52.1 kg/ha in Leh district during 2017-18 viii. Poor value-chain and unorganized trading of v. The intensity of pesticide use in Leh district is low agricultural produce. as compared to that of national average. While the national average consumption of pesticide during Opportunities 2014-15 was 0.29 kg/ha, it was 0.096 kg/ha in Leh i. As a result of rising temperature and improved district in 2017-18. agro-practices, the areas in cold desert that are not vi. The region is known for its Pashmina goat. The suitable for cultivation few decades back are district has the highest number of Yak population in emerging as the potential areas to grow high the country. quality fruit and vegetable crops. vii. Incidences of insect pests and diseases are less in ii. Seabuckthorn, an ideal plant for cold desert, can be cold arid region. grown on large scale for income generation and viii. Large number of tourists (over 3 lakh tourists in ecological benets. The resource has not been 2018), and heavy deployment of army in the region tapped fully in the region. serves as a ready market for local produce. iii. New crops are being introduced in the region by ix. There are three research institutes (Defence several R&D organizations and agriculture Institute of High Altitude Research of DRDO; universities. This will broaden the crop base of the Regional Station of Sher-e-Kashmir University of region. Agricultural Science and Technology-K and iv. Farm produce and wild harvest can be certied as regional station of Central Arid Zone Research organic produce to fetch higher price to augment Institute), which focus on location specic the farmers income. research. v. Development of value added products has not yet x. Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council been explored in the region. (LAHDC) Leh has accorded high priority to agriculture development in the district, next to vi. Value addition of animal based products, such as education. pashmina and A2 milk, has immense potential to

8 Ladakh Organic Policy Overview of the Agriculture Sector in Leh Ladakh

change livelihood of the farmers of the region. Threats vii. Agro-ecotourism is a growing niche sector i. The ongoing process of globalization poses threat globally, and this market mechanism has to farm produce of the region. Farmers may get considerable potential in Ladakh. Ladakh is lesser price for their produce, unless it is sold as 'premium produce' of Ladakh. regarded as one of the elite travel destinations in ii. Due to mountainous topography and unpredictable the world, enjoying a reputation for authenticity, weather such as unexpected heavy snowfall, there remoteness and a well-protected living cultural is a limited time period for supply of critical inputs. heritage and a thriving natural environment. iii. Outbreaks of new insect pests such as locust and viii. Army and tourists serves as potential consumer of defoliating caterpillar (Euproctis spp.) have been local produce. witnessed in recent years, posing a threat to ix. The climatic condition of the region offers agricultural system in the region. opportunities for production of high quality niche iv. In recent years a trend in migration of people from products for export. villages to Leh town has been observed due to economic reasons. Agricultural elds are being abandoned.

Ladakh Organic Policy 9 Chapter 2

Organic Farming in Leh Ladakh : Status & Mission

Ladakh remained organic by default based on the of plant protection chemicals is also low. An analysis of inherent traditional farming system and remoteness, the data shows that 34 villages do not use inorganic which provides a strong foundation for organic fertilizers. This situation presents a huge potential to agriculture development. Farmers mostly practice mixed promote organic farming, both for increased and farming where livestock is reared as an integral part of sustainable food production as well as for enhanced the system for food and manure. The use of chemical income for the farmers. fertilizers is among the lowest in the country and the use Table 10: Organic villages that do not use chemical fertilizer and pesticides during last three years and beyond Name of Block Name of the Total cropped Number of village area (Ha) livestock Durbuk 45 17465 37 17432 Khalsi Kanji 30 1892 Khaltsi 75.5 465 Lamayuru 68.4 3059 Leh Dho 46.4 414 Skindiang 22 324 115.9 503 Tia 164.4 932 Nimoo Cheling Sumda 28.2 427 38 231 Skiumarkha 61.5 1830 Taru 60.3 341 12.1 146 Nyoma 105 31530 Demjok 7 3160 Kuyul 28 9750 Mood 47 8042 Rong-Chumathang Karay 29.6 230 Skitmang 18.2 193 Tarchid 32.1 212 Rupsho-Puga 9 14961 21 13451 Samad Rokchan 2 30356 Saspol Giramangu 41.8 320 32.5 258 Tarhipti 20.1 201 Singaylalok Photoksar 34 1774 Lingshed 91 7167 141.9 1556 Youlchung 35 815 Skurbuchan Dha 181.5 634 Hanoo 177.7 3146 Skurbuchan 328.6 892

10 Ladakh Organic Policy Overview of the Agriculture Sector in Leh Ladakh

Organic farming is a holistic food production management system, which promote and enhance agro ecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycle and soil biological activity. It emphasis the use of management practices in preference to the use of off-farm inputs, taking into account that regional condition require locally adapted system. This is accomplished by using, where possible, agronomic, biological and mechanical methods, as opposed to using synthetic materials, to fulll any specic function within the system.

Need of Organic Farming in Leh Ladakh Target Subsistence farming is practiced traditionally, and the To certify Leh as Organic Farming District by 2025. region has been self-sufcient till 1960s. However, in the Objectives wake of modernization and the use of chemical fertilizer, n Make farming more rewarding, sustainable and the fragile ecosystem of the region has been threatened. respectable Besides, it also degrades the fertility of the soil of the tiny n Reduction in risk of health ailments, including agricultural elds that we have. Farm produce of Ladakh cancer cases, associated with chemicals are considered as par with that of rest of the country, n Doubling the farmers' income by production of which makes our produce a 'commodity' rather than a off-season organic farm produce, and facilitating 'premium produce'. value addition to organic produce Vision n Supply of organic farm produce to army stationed To transform agriculture in Leh Ladakh into a in Ladakh Sector sustainable, remunerative, respectable occupation and to n Promotion of winter cultivation in cold desert enable the farmers to reap the benets of dynamic market n Stop import of toxic farm produce into Ladakh opportunities n Promotion of sustainable eco-tourism through Mission Organic Village concept n To bring organic farming into mainstream n Conservation of traditional farming system agricultural production system n Create investment environment for organic n To enable organic farmers of the District realize 30 agribusiness to provide employment to rural to 40% additional income by leverage the demand youths of organic market n Stop migration of people from villages to Leh town n To improve the quality of organic food by for economic reason extending support to investors for the n To enable farmers to mitigate and adapt to the climate change establishment of necessary supply chain and n Conservation of the fragile trans-Himalayan infrastructure facilities to process and market ecosystem n To safeguard the interest of the consumers by putting in place suitable regulatory measures

Table 11 : Mission Target Year Target villages/ crop for organic certication Remarks

2019 Villages These includes villages and major Anlay, Cheling Sumda, Chushul, Demjok, Dha, Giramangu, crops in which chemical fertilizers Hanoo, Kanji, Kargyam, Korzok, Karay, Khaltsi, Kharnak, and pesticides have not been used , Lamayuru, Leh Dho, Lingshed, Mood, Photoksar, during last three years or more. Rumbak, Samad Rokchan, Saspochey, Skindiang, Skitmang, Skiumarkha, Skurbuchan, Takmachik, Tarchid, Tarhipti, Taru, Tia, Umla, Wanla, Youlchung Crop Seabuckthorn

Ladakh Organic Policy 11 Overview of the Agriculture Sector in Leh Ladakh

2023 Changa, Chemshan Charasa, Chulungkha, Diger, , Gia, These include villages where use of , , Hundar Dok, Hundari, , Khalsar, Khardong, chemical fertilizer and pesticides is Khema Khungru, , Kubed, Kyungyam, , Largiab, low (less than 5 MT/year) Langokor, , Martselang, Miru, Panamik, Partapur, , Phuktse, Ranbirpura, Shang, Shara, Sharnose, Skampuk, , , , Teri, Tukla, , , Warisstan

2025 , , , Chemday, , Chuchot These include villages where use of Gongma, Chuchot Shamma, Chuchot Yokma, Chumathang, chemical fertilizer is above 5 Diskit, Durbuk, Hemis-Shukpachan, Hundar, Kharu, Leh town, MT/year , Matho, Man Pangong, Nang, Nay, Nimoo, , Nyoma, Phyang, Saboo, Sakti, Saspol, Shashukul, , , , , , , , , Thang, Thiksey, Tiggar, Turtuk

Organic farming aim to create integrated, humane, environmentally and economically sustainable production system, which maximize reliance on farm-driven renewable resources and the management of ecological and biological processes and interactions so as to provide acceptable level of crop, livestock and human nutrition, protection from pest and diseases, and an appropriate return to the human and other resources

Our Strengths in Adoption of Organic Farming n Ladakh remained organic by default based on the n There are no privately owned chemical fertilizer inherent traditional farming system and and pesticide sale outlets in the District. Chemical remoteness. fertilizer is being made available to the farmers only through Cooperative Department of LAHDC, n The total agricultural land is just 10,223 ha i.e Leh. Similarly, small quantities of pesticides are 0.2% of the geographical area. Hence it is made available only through State Agriculture and manageable to certify the district as organic. Horticulture Departments. n Incidence of insect pest is minimal in the region. n Economically important wild plants, such as n Only 533 MT chemical fertilizer has been used in Seabuckthorn, have not been exposed to the the district during 2017-18. The intensity of chemical fertilizer. inorganic agriculture here is not that severe n Being a tourist destination, promotion of organic compared to that in other parts of the country. farming will bring quick economic returns. Agro- While the national average consumption of ecotourism is a growing niche sector globally, and fertilizer during 2016-17 was 123 kg/ha, it was this market mechanism has considerable potential only 52 kg/ha in Leh district. in Ladakh. n Chemical fertilizer and pesticides have never been n There is a general perception that 'local' produce of used in 34 villages. The intensity of pesticide use Ladakh are signicantly healthier than imported in Leh district is very low as compared to that of ones. national average. While the national average consumption of pesticide during 2014-15 was 0.29 n Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council kg/ha, it was only 0.096 kg/ha in Leh district. (LAHDC) Leh has accorded high priority to organic farming in the district.

12 Ladakh Organic Policy Chapter 3

Strategies and Action Plan

The mission to convert Leh into an organic district is to District. It will also introduce, promote and be achieved focusing on potential crops, livestock and adopt appropriate technologies for organic areas in a phased and compact manner with the aim of crop production, protection, processing, certifying the district as organic by 2025. branding and marketing of organic products Over the years, a number of policy statements by the of the District. Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council 3.3 Constitution of Technical Advisory Committees (LAHDC) have explicitly announced a support for and its recommendation organic farming in Leh Ladakh. This indicates signicant political will to move towards going organic. a. Constitute a Technical Advisory Committee The following strategies and action plan is suggested for (TAC) to support Ladakh Organic Mission planning and implementation of Ladakh Organic on technical matters. Farming Policy: 3.4 Phase manner reduction in supply of chemical 3.1 Declaration of Mission Organic Development fertilizers and pesticides Initiative of Ladakh a. Reduce purchase of chemical fertilizer and a. Declaration and launch of the Mission pesticides from quota Organic Development Initiative of Ladakh at the rate of 20% per year. upon receiving of nancial support from the b. Subsidy on chemical fertilizer and pesticide Union Government. to be reduced at the rate of 20% every year to b. Reform agriculture and allied sector policies make these inputs costlier. to bring these in line with Ladakh Organic c. Request concern authorities not to issue Farming Policy. trade license for trading of fertilizers and 3.2 Constitution of committees for implementation pesticides in the district. of the mission d. Request Transport Department not to allow a. District Level Apex Committee: It will be transportation of fertilizers and pesticides a policy making body giving overall from outside the District. direction and guidance. The committee will 3.5 Alternatives to compensate the reduction in be chaired by Hon’ble Chief Executive supply of chemical fertilizers and pesticides Councillor, Ladakh Autonomous Hill a. Purchase alternative certied organic Development Council, Leh. manures and biopesticides, and make it b. District Level Steering Committee: The available to farmers. committee will provide guidance, review b. Promote integrated farming among the and monitor implementation of the villagers. Advocate keeping 6 cows by each programmes of Ladakh Organic Mission. household having 1 ha agricultural land. The committee will be chaired by Chief Executive Ofcer, Ladakh Autonomous Hill c. Provide incentives for establishment of Development Council, Leh. large number of composting units. c. Ladakh Organic Mission: It will be the d. Ban burning of organic matters, which can nodal agency for implementation of the be utilized as manure. programme of organic farming in the

Ladakh Organic Policy 13 Organic Farming In Leh Ladakh : Status & Mission

e. Establish a system to produce organic c. Increase area under fodder to generate manure from biodegradable organic waste sufcient quantity of fodder to meet the segregated at source. requirement. f. Provide incentives for increasing area under 3.9 Crop planning fodder/ grassland, and rearing of farm a. In order to get high economic return from animals. the small agricultural land holding, there is a g. Encourage people to continue to use need to adopt cluster approach to produce traditional composting toilet in which high value crops in bulk. human waste is converted into organic b. In view of diverse agro-climatic condition manure to enrich the soil. within the District, there is a need to adopt h. Provide incentives for establishment of one village one crop concept. This enables easy monitoring, production, marketing etc. passive solar greenhouse for early crop The crop can be rotated in distantly located production and winter cultivation of diverse villages with similar agro-climatic horticultural crops, other than leafy conditions. vegetables. Increase in temperature will compensate for yield reduction, if any, due 3.10 Livestock planning to discontinuation of chemical fertilizers. a. In order to ensure sufcient organic matter for agricultural elds and income generation 3.6 Capacity building for farmers, implementing from livestock, there is a need to plan ofcials, and agencies diverse livestock in every village. a. Conduct orientation, training and exposure b. Promote community-based livestock visit programmes. rearing, management and shed. b. Develop model villages where every c. Provide incentives for shepherd at village household are trained in all facets of organic and community level. farm management to assist farmers in 3.11 Food processing and value addition organic farming. a. In view of restrictions on the movement of 3.7 Organic seed and planting material apple and apricot from Ladakh, special a. Purchase seed and planting materials from emphasis should be given to development of organic villages within Ladakh processing units in the region. b. Required quantity of seeds of cereals, b. Majority of the high value produce, such as pulses, oilseed, selected vegetables should pashmina and Seabuckthorn, are being sold be produced locally by adopting seed village as unnished product. Value addition need concept. to be done in the region, and promoted as c. Establish privately owned organic nurseries unique product of Ladakh. o f f r u i t c r o p s i n t h e D i s t r i c t 3.12 Model organic village and model farm concept under the supervision of Horticulture a. Demonstrate all organic technologies in the Department. villages by adopting selected villages as 3.8 Feed and fodder model organic village. These can be a. Restrict feeding of chemical products to subsequently replicated elsewhere based on livestock, which are not permissible under lessons learnt from the pilot models. organic norms. b. Atleast two Government farms should be b. Provide support to farmers for feed and developed as model organic farm displaying fodder. all organic technologies including

14 Ladakh Organic Policy Organic Farming In Leh Ladakh : Status & Mission

production of organic inputs for nutrient 3.15 Branding with brand Organic Ladakh logo management, pest and disease management a. All certied organic produce of Ladakh to etc. be marketed under a single brand name and c. All research farms in the district should logo. be converted to organic management 3.16 Promote farm level processing, value addition systems, and thus becoming a eld study centre for students, farmers and people’s a. Encourage farm processing by farmers representatives. group, SHGs and Farmer Producer Companies for value addition. 3.13 Organic certication b. Provide special incentives for setting up a. Initiate case for organic certication of 34 organic food processing. villages in the rst phase, where chemical 3.17 Markets, value chains, and trade fertilizers and pesticides have not been used a. Leh domestic market is small, challenging during last three years or beyond. place to do business. There is a need to look b. Initiate case for organic certication of wild beyond domestic market. harvest, such as Seabuckthorn, in the rst b. Facilitate establishment of Organic Farmer phase. Producer Companies. c. Organic certication should be done c. Augment the role of private sector in organic through Participatory Guarantee System farming to play the crucial role in nancing (PGS) as well as through Third Party and developing the organic supply chain. Certication. PGS is a cheaper means, while d. NGOs have important role in promoting Third Party Certication is costly. organic products for domestic consumption d. Ensure that all organic farmers are given through consumer awareness campaign. certicates for organic farming free of cost. e. Augmenting the role of banking and nancial services sector be become the core 3.14 Publicity and campaign for organic farming strategist for marketing of organic farm a. Begin mass awareness program for the products. promotion of organic farming focusing on the benets of organic farming and harmful 3.18 Sale of organic produce only effects of chemical-based farming. a. Allow sale of only organic farm produce, when it is locally available. b. Place Bill Boards in prominent places and national highways showcasing organic 3.19 Budgetary provisions for Organic Mission farming in Ladakh, targeting both the a. Implementation of mission requires farmers and tourists additional funds. There is a need for c. Encourage hotels and restaurants to promote adequate budgetary provisions to organic food to customers, especially the implement and sustain organic farming in tourists Leh district. d. Encourage army to buy organic farm 3.20 Dedicated research backup produce for its troops stationed in Ladakh, a. Agro-practices for organic farming in cold when it is locally available. desert Ladakh is different from rest of the e. Organize Organic Food festival during country. Therefore, area specic solutions tourist season are required for sustainable organic farming in the region.

Ladakh Organic Policy 15 Organic Farming In Leh Ladakh : Status & Mission

b. Research institutes in Leh such as Defence 3.22 Implementation Institute of High Altitude Research a. The mission to convert Leh into an organic (DIHAR), Regional Station of Sher-e- district will be achieved focusing on Kashmir of Agriculture Science & potential crops, livestock and areas in a Technology, Regional Station of Central phase manner with the aim of certifying the Arid Zone Research Institute may be asked district as organic by 2025. to develop organic package of practices, and b. Involve all the agencies related to provide research backup. Research farms agriculture and animal husbandry (State also need to be declared fully organic. Departments, research institutes and NGOs 3.21 Internet and social media for implementation of the Organic Mission a. Explore internet and the social media for program. dissemination of information to the farmers. c. Assign cluster of villages to each of the b. Create smart and dedicated multi-lingual agencies for implementation of the program. websites that inter-alia facilitate interactive All support to the cluster to be made sessions between farmers and experts available through the nodal agency. Assign including other stakeholders. responsibility and give due recognition for the success of the program. c. Use social media to keep a tab on the trends and practices in organic farming elsewhere in the country.

16 Ladakh Organic Policy Chapter 4

Key Issues and Suggested Solutions for Ladakh Organic Mission

4.1. Stakeholder perception of organic farming Suggested solutions: Promote integrated farming among the villagers. Advocate keeping at least 6 cows by Issue: There are signicant variations in stakeholder each household having 1 ha agricultural land. Promote perceptions of what organic farming actually entailed. A community-based livestock rearing and management. majority of farmers assumed that organic farming simply Revive the traditional Rarzee system of rearing of sheep means weaning off chemical fertilizer and pesticides and and goat. Establish a system to produce organic manure switching to farmyard manure. This reected overall from biodegradable organic waste segregated at source. poor awareness amongst the stockholders in Leh district Ban burning of all organic materials which could be of the need for the range of interventions including utilized as manure. integrated soil health, nutrient management, and agronomic practices to achieve good quality organic 4.3. Limited agricultural land produce. While most stakeholders were generally aware Issue: Despite having a huge geographical land, over of organic farming, this understanding was limited to 62% households have less than 1 ha agricultural land. cereals and horticultural crops. Stakeholders had Water has been the limiting factor for expansion of area virtually no understanding of the implications of going for agricultural purpose. organic in the livestock sector. There is also a widespread Suggested solutions: Part of the areas adjoining rivers perception that organic farming is more expensive than can be converted into agricultural land. Technologies are conventional farming, and thus not desirable. There was available for water lifting and judicious waste use. a widespread perception that the switch to organic 4.4. Limited organic farm produce farming reduces production and that productivity will Issue: In view of the climatic condition of the region, not drop as compared to conventional agriculture. all crops can be grown in the region. It is difcult to grow Suggested solutions: Training of extension workers and diverse vegetables during winter months. creating awareness among the stakeholders based on Suggested solutions: Encourage farmers to grow high empirical data is required. Reality of organic farming value off-season crops that can be successfully grown in needs to be showcased by developing model organic the region. Provide incentives to farmers to adopt farms. NGOs have important role in promoting organic improvised greenhouses such as DIHAR Greenhouse farming through consumer awareness campaign. where diverse crops can be grown even during winter months. 4.2. Limited availability of organic manures 4.5. Shift from traditional dry toilet to Western Issue: Ladakh is a cold desert. The forest cover is just 2.9 2 toilet km (i.e 0.064% of geographical area of Leh district). The area under fodder is only 2290 ha, and livestock Issue: Traditional composting toilet does not require population is 2,95,615. Therefore, there will be a water, and the human waste is converted into organic shortage of bulk organic manures for the organic manure to enrich the soil. However, off-late Western mission. This is one of the key factors inhibiting organic toilets are being used extensively. It consumes large farming. quantity of water and the human waste is not available for use as organic matter.

Ladakh Organic Policy 17 Strategies and Action Plan

Suggested solutions: Encourage people to continue to need to be addressed so that growers get a commensurate use traditional composting toilets. If required, the return for their organic produce. There is a need to look traditional system can be improvised to have aesthetic beyond the local market. Private sector has a look and faster composting system. considerable role to play in nancing for and developing 4.6. Trend in rural outmigration organic supply chain. In fact, the private sector including Issue: In recent years a trend has emerged in rural the banking and nancial services providers can play the outmigration, partially driven by improved education, role of core strategist in marketing and export of organic improved social services, and job opportunities in Leh products. NGOs have an important role to play in town from villages. This has resulted in agriculture lands promoting organic products for local consumption being abandoned. through consumer awareness campaign. NGOs can also Suggested solution: Promote organic farming as an promote the organic products of Leh district among their economically viable option for livelihood in rural areas. counterparts outside the region. They can also help in 4.7. Markets, value chains, and trade marketing campaigns at trade fairs, exhibitions and Issue: Markets, value chains, and trade-related issues are sensitizing at NGO forums. The social media is also the most critical areas of an organic agenda. There is an needed to be exploited fully in promotion and marketing absence of price premiums for organic produce. Local of organic farm products. market is small, challenging place to do business. Suggested solution: These are the critical issues that

18 Ladakh Organic Policy