For the boost in the exports of agricultural produce from Ladakh, The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, or APEDA joined hands with the officials of the horticulture, agriculture, commerce and industry departments of Union Territory and Defence Institute of High-Altitude Research (DIHAR) to promote special assistance in branding and promotion of Ladakh products with a comprehensive plan of actions.
WHAT ROLE WILL APEDA PLAY IN AGRI-EXPORTS OF LADAKH?
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) established by the Government of India under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act passed by the Parliament in December 1985 is an apex body promoting exports of agricultural and processed food products.
APEDA would be continuously working with officials from agriculture and horticulture departments of Lek & Ladakh districts, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Jammu, DIHAR, and entrepreneurs for comprehensive and substantial development of agriculture in Ladakh
APEDA would provide technical assistance for building the capacity of stakeholders including entrepreneurs, officials, farmers, branding and marketing of Ladakhi products, and making Ladakh an ‘organic’ region. APEDA would provide special assistance for branding and promotion of Ladakhi products, especially sea buckthorn which is rich in Vitamin C, omega, and other essential nutrients. The officials after the interactions held recently at Ladakh, have identified major areas of work which includes enhancement of production of fruits with medicinal values including sea buckthorn, apricot and organic produce and introduction of the traceability system, capacity-building of farmers and value addition of products.
VISION OF ORGANIC LADAKH BY 2025
APEDA has emphasized the need for minimal or zero use of chemicals in farming during its interactions with Ladakh officials, urging non-use of chemicals and fertilizers by the farmers at the earliest and introduction of traceability systems to help in branding Ladakhi products. The main focus of this collaboration is to ensure that Ladakh achieves the goal of becoming an organic region by 2025 as revealed by the Commerce Ministry.
Officials of Ladakh operating under the Mission Organic Development Initiative have formed an organic study group, drafting ‘organic’ certification documents and implementation of the certification process in phases. Moreover, the technological interventions that has been introduced by DIHAR to Ladakh administration are helping farmers grow leafy vegetables at -25 degrees.
APEDA has decided to market and brand organic foods from Ladakh in order to increase agricultural exports and farmers’ income . This collaboration hopes to bring a overall growth and development of agriculture in Ladakh.