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The district of Kargil is one of the most economically backward and remotely located district of Jammu and Kashmir stats. The district remains landlocked for about six month a year from rest of the state and country due to snowbound Zojila pass. The 127 villages in the district are scattered over an area of 14,036 Sq.Km. The altitude of inhabited areas range from 8,500 feet to 13,000 feet. The severe long winter and difficult terrain and topography of the district are a big dampener in the speedy development of the district. But in spite of the vagaries of nature, the district has good potential in the field of Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry. |
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Agriculture and Livestock rearing is the main occupation in the district and about 90 % of the working force is engaged in this pursuit alone. The major crops of the district are wheat and millet. Forage cultivation and salvipasture under the command area of various Irrigation projects is in steady progress. The main source of irrigation is canals and the agriculture operation, which is based on primitive and traditional lines is now slowly being mechanized with the use of tractor / threshing machines. Due to the pragmatic policies and efforts of the Government and the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Kargil over the years, there is now visible positive impact of development in the filed of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry and Forestry. The introduction of new and innovative agriculture methods and distribution of improved varieties of seeds are the main focus of the Government for giving the district a boost in agriculture production. Considerable attention is also being given to the development of Horticulture in the area. The Halman variety of apricots suggests a promising market outside the state. Distribution of budded apricot plants to the fruit growers, fertilization of fruit trees, sulphur fumigation, hygienic sun drying of apricots, are the various measures being taken to improve marketable and export of the fruit. Under the Livestock sector, 65% of the local cattle population is upgraded into Exotic Jersey Breed. As a result, the farmers now market surplus milk worth Rs one crore / annum. Milk processing plant (pasteurization & packaging) has now come up in Kargil under the private sector. The district produces about 23.8 Th. MT milk/ annum. Poultry development has tremendous potential in the district. A Hatchery Project is coming up at Kargil under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme. Dairy goat is also being introduced in the district so also pashmina goats. Community plantation is quit successful in Kargil. The Cooperative Department supply about 8000 quintals of fertilizer to the farmers every year to boost agriculture production. The Cooperatives is being further strengthened for marketing agriculture produce. The Department under the Agriculture sector with the guidance of the LAHDC, Kargil is doing a commendable job with the primary aim of generating additional income and employment in the district through various sustainable land based activities. The LAHDC, Kargil under the able and dynamic leadership of Shri Kacho Ahmad Ali Khan is fully committed for equitable and speedy development of all areas of the district and welfare of its people. (Haji Gh.
Amir) |
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