Leh: The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd), chaired a high-level meeting at the Lieutenant Governor’s Secretariat to discuss the potential for saffron cultivation in the Union Territory.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary Sanjiv Khirwar, IAS; DGP Ladakh Dr. SD Singh Jamwal, IPS; Commissioner/Secretary to the HLG Dr. L Franklin, IAS; Secretary, Agriculture Bhupesh Chaudhary, IAS; Secretary, GAD/PWD/PHE Michael D’Souza, IAS; and Director, Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), Dr. OP Chaurasia.
At the outset, the Lt Governor inquired about the feasibility of saffron cultivation in Ladakh, having already initiated a pilot plantation at Raj Niwas. Dr. OP Chaurasia highlighted that Kargil presents the most suitable conditions for saffron farming. He informed that some farmers in the region have previously engaged in saffron cultivation and that the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR–IIIM) Jammu possesses the necessary expertise to support such initiatives.
Secretary, Agriculture Bhupesh Chaudhary, IAS, briefed the Lt Governor about the proposed collaboration with CSIR-IIIM Jammu to expand saffron cultivation in Ladakh and assess its economic viability. The initiative aims to identify the most suitable saffron variety for the region, ensuring maximum benefits for local farmers.
The Lt Governor directed the Agriculture Department and DIHAR to explore the full potential of saffron farming, particularly to empower women engaged in agricultural activities. He further urged DIHAR to optimize its scientific resources to support local farmers in agriculture, horticulture, and cattle management.
Additionally, the meeting also discussed the prospects of cultivating hing (asafoetida) in Ladakh, given its high market value and adaptability to cold climates. The administration aims to diversify agricultural practices in the region, promoting sustainable farming and boosting farmers’ incomes.
