The Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation, in collaboration with PM Shri Government Model High School Lankore and supported by Ladakh Organic and Green Initiative Consultancy (LOGIC), proudly organized a district-level event on World Heritage Day, dedicated to highlighting the urgent need for the conservation of indigenous crops, landraces, and heirloom varieties in Ladakh.
Themed “A Need for Conservation of Indigenous Crop, Land Races, and Heirloom Varieties,” the event convened experts, educators, and community members to underscore the importance of preserving agricultural biodiversity and traditional knowledge in the region.
Dr Faizan Ahmad, Chief Scientist of the Agriculture Research Centre Kargil, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, stressing the pivotal role of sustainable agriculture in ensuring food security and safeguarding cultural heritage.
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Principal Bad Run Nissa of PM Shri Government Model High School Lankore, serving as the Guest of Honour, emphasized the significance of educating the youth about the importance of indigenous crops and sustainable farming practices.
Distinguished scientists Dr Mansoor Hussain and Dr Nazir Hussain shed light on Ladakh’s organic potential and the crucial role of indigenous crops in promoting sustainable agriculture and food security.
Renowned agripreneur and Founder of Tropicalist Trust of Ladakh, Shabir Hussain Fayaz, advocated for the revival and conservation of herbal plants and endangered species to maintain ecological balance and traditional knowledge systems.
Historian and Author Mohammad Sadiq Hardassi provided valuable insights into the historical lineage of heritage crops in Ladakh, emphasizing the imperative to preserve this rich agricultural heritage for future generations.
In his address to the media, Anayat Ali Shotopa, Convener of the Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation Kargil Chapter, reiterated the event’s aim to raise awareness about the importance of conserving indigenous crops and the pressing need for collective action. He urged students to contribute by writing articles on the subject for publication in Heritage Himalaya Magazine.
The event concluded with Dr Faizan Ahmad expressing gratitude to the organizers for their tireless efforts in promoting agricultural preservation and offering hands-on training opportunities to students at his research centre.
The Programme concluded with a vibrant question-answer session, where students engaged enthusiastically, seeking valuable insights from the esteemed guests.
Contributed by A. Shotopa