Apricot Exhibition 2025 Held Under One District One Product Initiative at Kargil
In Ladakh, the Apricot Exhibition 2025 was held today under the One District One Product initiative, showcasing the region’s rich horticultural heritage of Kargil the Apricot Belt kf India. The event was inaugurated by the Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, and witnessed the participation of over 185 farmers, who displayed more than 400 varieties of apricot.
The highlight of the exhibition included the renowned Halman variety of Kargil, along with Rosita apricots from Italy, and Afghani apricots, presented by progressive farmer Haji Ghulam Mohammad from Poyen. A documentary film on apricot farming practices was also screened during the event.
Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Rakesh Kumar, who was the Guest of Honour, said that under various schemes, subsidies are being provided for area expansion, vermicompost units, processing units, and pack houses. A Dry Apricot Processing Unit is being established at Kurbathang, and a Center of Excellence is planned to support research and innovation.
He added that efforts are also underway to obtain GI tags for Halman Apricot, Fating, Apricot Oil, and Karkitchoo Apple, which will boost the economic value of local produce.
Dr. Jaffer Akhoon, while speaking to the media, highlighted the tremendous developmental progress in Ladakh since becoming a Union Territory, and appreciated the efforts of the Horticulture Department and farmers in promoting apricot cultivation. He emphasized the need for area expansion, identification of new potential zones, and the importance of social audits to ensure proper implementation of subsidy schemes.
Top-performing farmers were felicitated during the event.
In the Halman variety, Khadija Bi from Gargardo secured the first prize, Kaneez Fatima from Pashkum received the second and Mohd Ali from Goma Kargil bagged the third prize.
In the Margolam variety, Kaneez Fatima from Shilikche secured first position, Fareeda Banoo from Akchamal got second, and Mohsin Ali received the third prize.
Certificates of appreciation were also presented to young entrepreneurs and agri-startups contributing to apricot processing and marketing.
The Horticulture Department informed that more than 150 genotypes of apricot are found in Kargil, of which 30 have been patented as Farmer Varieties. Kargil contributes over 60 percent of India’s apricot production, with a total cultivated area of 1,674.70 hectares and an annual production of 9,834.81 metric tonnes, generating an income of over 30 crore rupees. He informed that 31.5 metric tonnes of apricots are exported to the international market each year.
Anayat Ali
Correspondent
Kargil
