Kargil: Ladakh MP Haji Mohammad Haneefa Jan on Saturday inaugurated Kargil’s first heat pump dehydration and cold storage facility at Kantakari, near the University of Ladakh’s Kurbathang Campus.
Established by The Tropicalist Trust in collaboration with the local Yakzes Cooperative, with support from EcoRainger, CRID and SELCO Foundation, the facility aims to reduce post-harvest losses and create opportunities for agricultural value addition.
The energy-efficient technology will enable the drying and preservation of apricots, vegetables, herbs and other horticultural produce while helping maintain quality and extend shelf life. The facility is expected to benefit farmers in Kargil, where the short agricultural season and limited processing infrastructure pose challenges in preserving produce and securing better returns.
Addressing the gathering, Haneefa Jan stressed the need to promote youth entrepreneurship, agricultural innovation and startups to strengthen the local economy and generate sustainable employment opportunities.
Dr Madhavi Swamy, founder member of The Tropicalist Trust, highlighted the role of cooperative institutions, collective entrepreneurship and modern technology in making traditional agriculture more economically viable.
Chief Horticulture Officer Kargil Ali Raza, Dean of the School of Agriculture Science and Technology at the University of Ladakh Dr Faizan Ahmed, Pashkum Councillor Kacho Mohd Feroz and other dignitaries attended the event.
The facility is expected to strengthen local agricultural value chains, improve preservation of horticultural produce and help farmers access wider markets.
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