Kargil: The Department of Horticulture, Kargil, inaugurated the Annual Plantation Drive 2025 today at MOCN Khurbathang, in the esteemed presence of Aga Syed Mujtaba, Executive Councillor (Agriculture), LAHDC Kargil.
To kick off the drive, hundreds of improved varieties of fruit plants were distributed to interested farmers by the chief guest. The distribution will continue over the next 2–3 days. Also present at the inaugural event were Ali Raza, Chief Horticulture Officer Kargil, Ashiq Hussain Basharat, Chief Agriculture Officer Kargil, and other officers and officials of the department.
Marking the occasion, a Halman Apricot plant was ceremoniously planted by the Executive Councillor at MOCN Khurbathang. Hundreds of farmers from various villages gathered at the venue to collect planting material for the season.
To ensure uniform and accessible distribution, sufficient quantities of improved fruit plant cultivars have been made available at different zonal headquarters. Interested farmers can collect planting materials from designated locations including FPN Khurbathang, FPN Chiktan, and Batalik. Apricot seedlings are also available at various departmental nurseries.
It is noteworthy that around 72,000 grafted varieties of apple, pear, cherry, and plum were procured from registered nurseries in Kashmir Valley in November and stocked at MOCN Khurbathang for further distribution.
During the event, the Chief Horticulture Officer briefed the farmers on the benefits of fruit plantation in the region. He noted that, in light of environmental changes, the survival rate of fruit plants in Kargil has shown encouraging results.
Farmers were encouraged to adopt fruit cultivation more extensively in their respective areas to strengthen the region’s economy, with horticulture being highlighted as a key sector for sustainable growth.
Executive Councillor Aga Syed Mujtaba emphasized the significance of plantation initiatives in the region and urged farmers to ensure proper care of the plants for successful and productive outcomes.
