Kargil, March 29: Seventeen trainees from the Horticulture trade of Government ITI Kargil successfully completed a 15-day skill development program in Horticulture (Fruit Science) at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI), Pusa, New Delhi, from March 13 to March 28, 2025.
The program was conducted under the aegis of the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Dr. (Brig.) B. D. Mishra. Committed to realizing its vision of a skilled Ladakh, the Skill Development Department is dedicated to empowering youth through comprehensive training. The Technical Education and Skill Development Department continues to foster opportunities for skill enhancement across the region.
This specialized training was organized by the Ladakh Skill Development Mission (LSDM) under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between LSDM and ICAR-IARI in the year 2024.
The collaboration aims to promote mutual growth in agricultural research and education.
During the 15-day program, hands-on training was provided in horticultural techniques, advanced modern horticulture technologies, protected cultivation, floriculture, and sustainable practices tailored to Ladakh’s unique climatic and geographical conditions. The training also covered fruit science, modern propagation techniques, post-harvest management, and innovative agricultural practices.
The program concluded on March 28, 2025, with a valedictory session, during which certificates were distributed to the trainees in recognition of their successful completion of the training. The session also acknowledged the contributions of the organizing institutions and faculty members.
A vote of thanks was extended by the faculty of Government ITI Kargil to Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director & Vice Chancellor of ICAR-IARI; Dr. C. Viswanathan, Joint Director of ICAR-IARI; Dr. B. S. Tomar, Head and Professor of the Vegetable Science Division, ICAR-IARI; Dr. O.P. Awasthi, Head and Principal Scientist of Fruits and Horticultural Technology, ICAR-IARI; and other scientists and faculty members of IARI for their invaluable contributions to the training program.
Additionally, Asgar Haydari, Trainer/Faculty of Horticulture at ITI Kargil, expressed special gratitude to Bhanu Prabha, IAS, Mission Director of LSDM and Administrative Secretary of the Technical Education and Skill Development Department, Ladakh, for providing this opportunity.
He emphasized that such training programs at prestigious national institutes will significantly enhance the technical expertise and employability of Govt. ITI Kargil trainees.
This initiative marks an important step toward strengthening skill development in Ladakh’s horticulture sector, equipping trainees with the knowledge and expertise to contribute effectively to agricultural growth and sustainability in the region.
