Kargil, August 05: The Department of Horticulture, Kargil, today successfully organized the Apricot Exhibition 2025 under the Government of India’s flagship initiative “One District One Product (ODOP)” at the Syed Mehdi Memorial Auditorium Hall, Kargil. The event celebrated the recognition of Apricot as the unique and identity crop of Kargil district, aiming to promote its cultivation, processing, marketing, and export.
The exhibition was graced by Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, Hon’ble Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, as the Chief Guest, and Rakesh Kumar, IAS, Deputy Commissioner/CEO LAHDC Kargil, as the Guest of Honour.
CEC Dr. Jaffer Akhoon and Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Kumar visited the exhibition stalls, where various varieties of apricot and plum were displayed by local farmers and entrepreneurs. They interacted with representatives of Ladakh Organic & Green Initiative Consultancy, Halman Apricot Kargil, and other stakeholders to understand the processes of grading, packaging, quality assessment, and export potential of apricot products.
While addressing the gathering, Dr. Jaffer Akhoon expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Director and Chief Horticulture Officer and their team for the successful selection of Apricot as the ODOP for Kargil. He emphasized the cultural and economic importance of apricots to the region, calling them a symbol of local identity and economic opportunity.
He assured that LAHDC Kargil remains committed to supporting apricot farmers through schemes that provide subsidies, driers, pack houses, and necessary equipment to improve processing and quality.
Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon also extended his gratitude to Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal for supporting the region with the provision of a drier plant to aid apricot processing.
Dupty Commissioner Kargil, Rakesh Kumar highlighted the vast scope of the apricot economy and underscored the need for modern technologies in cultivation, processing, and marketing. He also announced that a Center of Excellence will soon be established in Kargil to provide scientific support and training to farmers. He encouraged participants to spread awareness among fellow farmers about the available government schemes and benefits for apricot growers.
Director Horticulture and Floriculture, Tsewang Phunchok extended sincere thanks to the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, district officers, and the farming community for their active participation.
Chief Horticulture Officer Ali Raza showcased the achievements of the department and reiterated the ongoing efforts to secure a Geographical Indication (G.I.) tag for Halman Apricot and Karkitchoo Apple, which would help boost market value and farmer incomes. He also elaborated on the cultivation areas, marketing strategies, and the department’s extensive outreach in promoting sustainable horticulture practices across Kargil.
A short documentary on apricot farming in the region, developed by the Department of Horticulture, was screened during the event. It depicted the lifecycle of apricot cultivation—from harvesting to marketing—highlighting challenges and innovative practices adopted by local farmers.
The event concluded with the distribution of prizes to farmers for showcasing high-quality apricots and appreciation certificates to budding entrepreneurs contributing to the apricot value chain.
The exhibition was attended by key officials, including Director Horticulture and Floriculture Tsewang Phuncho, Chief Horticulture Officer Ali Raza, Chief Agriculture Officer Ashiq Hussain, Dr. Nassreen Fatima Kacho, Senior Scientist & Head, KVK Kargil-1, Dr. Niyaz ul Hussain, District Sheep Husbandry Officer, and other district officers, scientists, and progressive farmers.
