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Taisuru, Dec 5, 2025: Marking World Soil Day 2025, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Kargil-II, Zanskar, rolled out a Mega Awareness Programme on Soil Health Management at Taisuru Block, drawing strong participation from farmers of Namsuru and neighbouring villages—especially women cultivators who formed a major part of the gathering.
The programme was inaugurated by Councillor Parkachik, Syed Ain-ul-Huda, who attended as Chief Guest. Officials from the Departments of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Rural Development and Forest also joined, underscoring the growing institutional focus on sustainable agriculture in the region.
In his address, the Chief Guest applauded KVK for conducting such a large-scale event despite the severe winter conditions of Zanskar. He called soil “the backbone of food security and rural livelihoods,” urging farmers to protect soil resources and maintain regular contact with scientists for adopting better practices.
Dr. Mehdi, Chief Scientist and Head of KVK Kargil-II, presented the centre’s ongoing initiatives tailored to Zanskar’s tough agro-climatic conditions. These include the promotion of vegetable pea variety PB-89, Red Coral onion cultivation, high-density apple plantations in Barsoo Nallah, and low-cost protected cultivation enabling farmers to grow warm-season vegetables and non-traditional crops even in extreme cold.
During his technical session, Dr. Mehdi highlighted the importance of soil health management and encouraged the use of natural farming inputs such as Jeevamrut, Ghanjeevamrut and Agniastra, cautioning that uncontrolled chemical fertilizer use could damage Ladakh’s fragile soils in the long run.
Mrs. Raziya Banoo, District Agriculture Officer, briefed participants on departmental schemes aimed at boosting farm income, while representatives from Forest, Animal Husbandry and Rural Development departments stressed the role of soil conservation under this year’s National Soil Day theme.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks, acknowledging the active involvement of farmers and officials. The programme is being hailed as a meaningful step toward fostering a culture of soil awareness and sustainable agricultural practices across the Zanskar valley.
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