Vegetable Production in Ladakh (Cold Arid Region of Jammu and Kashmir): Achievements and Future Strategies Tamchos Tsewang***, Hussain Anwar*, Dawa Sonam** Division of Olericulture, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants S. K. University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar-191 121, Srinagar, (J & K), India. *Division of Post Harvest Technology, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants S. K. University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar-191 121, Srinagar, (J & K), India. **Division of Floriculture, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants S. K. University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar-191 121, Srinagar, (J & K), India. ***E-mail: tsewangtmchs5@gmail.com
Online published on 8 May, 2013. Abstract Indian cold arid region come under the trans-Himalayan zone. Such regions are confined to Ladakh (J & K), Lahual and Spiti (H.P.) and small pockets in Uttrakhand (Niti and Mana Garhwal). Ladakh contitutes 87.4 percent of total cold arid zone of India. Intensive sunlight, high evaporation rate, strong winds and fluctuating temperature characterize the general climate. Vegetation is sparse, rains are very rare and most of the land is mountainous desert of rocks, sand and dust. Region has short agriculture season and production of maximum edible biomass is possible only through vegetable cultivation, moreover it plays an important role in balanced diet of human being by providing not only energy rich food but also ensure supply of vital protective nutrients like minerals and vitamins. The region receives abundance sunshine, 300 sunny days per year (2150 kwh per year) even in December the minimum radiation is 4.32 kwh per day. For trapping these natural resources, various types of forcing structures (polyhouse, Ladakhi polyhouse, low tunnel and trench) have been successfully introduced and being popular among the farmers at commercial level also. If the sustainable production of the vegetable to meet the demand of growing population is to be realized then this sector must be given top priority. Top Keywords Vegetable production, Cold arid region, Ladakh. Top |