SRINAGAR: Zanskar has an immense scope for potato cultivation. However, the lack of quality planting material, poor technical knowhow, poor road connectivity and unorganized market structure have proven to be the stumbling blocks to realize this potential. Till date, with a few exceptions, potato has mostly been grown for only domestic consumption in Zanskar region of Ladakh. In order to cater these problems & promote potato cultivation on commercial scale in Zanskar & other areas of Ladakh, an important meeting was held in conference hall of Dak Banglow, Padum, Zanskar on 16-09-2021. The meeting was chaired by Hon’ble Chief Executive Councilor (CEC), LADHC Kargil. The other participants included Hon’ble Executive Councilor (Rural Development & Zanskar Affairs) LAHDC Kargil, District Magistrate Kargil, Additional District Magistrate Kargil, DirectorTribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED), Chairman Lahoul Potato Growers Cooperative Marketing and Processing Society, Sub District Magistrate, President Lahoul Potato Growers Cooperative Marketing and Processing Society, Head KVK Kargil-II (Zanskar), Sub Divisional Agricultural Officer Zanskar, scientists of KVK Zanskar, officers of Agriculture & allied department& innovative farmers of the region. Head KVK Kargil-II (Zanskar), shared the results of relevant activities carried out by the Kendra with the house. He discussed the prospects and challenges of various potato varieties tested by the Kendra so far. He also apprised participants about the guidance and support of Honorable Vice Chancellor Professor J. P. Sharma and Director Extension, SKUAST-K for the welfare of tribal farming community of region. Director TRIFED and ChairmanLahoul Potato Growers Cooperative Marketing and Processing Society delivered detailed presentation on success stories of the society & their relevance with the Zanskar conditions. Participating parties agreed on working jointly & sharing their experiences with each other to achieve the objective of profitable potato production & marketing in Zanskar & other areas of Ladakh. Hon’ble CEC, LAHDC Kargilpledged full support of District administration for development of Cooperative Societies& Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) for this purpose. The meeting concluded with the vote of thanks to the chair.

KR Desk