Kargil, December 21: Administrative Secretary for Agriculture, Horticulture, Cooperatives, and Transport, Mr. Bupesh Chaudhary, and Administrative Secretary for Rural Development, Panchayat Raj, IT, and Disaster Management, Ms. Shashanka Ala, undertook a four-day tour of the Kargil district. The visit focused on reviewing key developmental projects, engaging with local communities, and strategizing improvements to regional infrastructure and livelihoods.
The Administrative Secretaries were accompanied by senior officials, including Tsewang Punchok, Director of Horticulture; Razia Banoo, Assistant Commissioner Development (RDD); Zakir Hussain, Deputy Registrar Cooperatives; Mohd Zafar, Chief Horticulture Officer; Ashiq Hussain Basharat, Chief Agriculture Officer; and the BDO Sankoo, among others.
Admistrative Secretary Bupesh Chaudhary highlighted the potential of Kargil’s agricultural sector During his visit to the Minje Gramthang apple cultivation field, He directed officials to enhance operations, improve product quality, and prioritize branding and marketing to position local produce in global markets.
At the Ashuna Integrated Organic Farm, Bupesh Chaudhary praised the innovative use of greenhouses, organic vermicompost production, and decomposer techniques. He assured the government’s support for organic farming initiatives, emphasizing their economic and health benefits.
Bupesh Chaudhary inspected the Tiger Hill Milk and Dairy Cooperative Society, stressing the need for unified branding, streamlined packaging, and proper labeling to improve sales and production. He also reviewed operations at Sankoo Supermarket and Damsna Fish Farm, directing officials to enhance marketing efforts and address infrastructure challenges.
Administrative secretary Shashanka Ala focused on empowering rural communities through targeted development programs. At Panchayat Ghar Shilikchay and the LRLM Livelihood Centre CLF Van-DHAN Vikas Kendra, she interacted with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and local villagers. She directed the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for an NRLM Centre and instructed the registration of 50 SHG members under the Cooperative Society Programme to bolster women-led entrepreneurial initiatives.
During her visit to Hundarman Brok, Shashanka Ala engaged with residents and directed officials to introduce tailored income-generation programs. She also emphasized incorporating mushroom cultivation into the MGNREGA Plan for 2025-26 to foster economic self-reliance.
Administrative Secretary Shashanka Ala inspected the public library at GP Farona, directing officials to equip it with furniture, books, and washrooms to create a student-friendly environment. She also visited the Block Development Office Sankoo to review progress on PMAY, MGNREGA, and other key projects.
At Panchayat Ghar Thangdumbur, Ms. Ala lauded the efforts of SHGs in producing sanitary pads, recognizing their contribution to community health. She also applauded an SHG-managed homestay in Cheycheysna for promoting sustainable tourism.
Both Administrative Secretaries visited the solid waste segregation shed in Sankoo, commending workers for their dedication to maintaining cleanliness and sustainability.
Collaboration for Fisheries Development
At the Damsna Fish Farm, Shashanka Ala directed the Rural Development Department to strengthen its collaboration with the Fisheries Department to enhance income-generating units and uplift local livelihoods.
This four-day tour underscored the government’s commitment to holistic regional development, prioritizing agriculture, sustainable practices, and women-led initiatives to empower communities in the Kargil district.
