1 month ago
Kargil Farmers Adapt to Climate Change
Farmers in Kargil, Ladakh, are facing challenges due to climate change.
The weather is becoming unpredictable, making it harder to grow and dry apricots.
Apricots are a big part of their economy, but they need to be dried quickly after harvest.
The government introduced solar dryers to help, but they didn't work well.
Many farmers went back to traditional drying methods.
Now, they are using pack houses, which seem to work better.
These pack houses are simple structures that dry the fruit evenly and reliably.
The farmers are finding ways to adapt to the changing climate and keep their apricot farming alive.
Climate change is disrupting apricot farming in Kargil, Ladakh.
Traditional open drying is reliable but vulnerable to weather changes.
Solar dryers introduced by the government failed to meet expectations.
Pack houses are emerging as a successful alternative for drying apricots.
Apricot farming is crucial to Kargil's economy and cultural identity.
- Who
- Apricot farmers in Kargil, Ladakh
- What
- Adapting to climate change and post-harvest losses
- Where
- Kargil, Ladakh, India
- When
- Ongoing, with recent efforts in 2024
- Why
- To reduce waste and support incomes
Traditional Drying Methods
Modern Technology
Effectiveness
Traditional Drying Methods
Traditional open drying is reliable and has been used for generations.
Modern Technology
Solar dryers were intended to be more efficient and protect fruit from weather.
Adaptability
Traditional Drying Methods
Open drying adapts naturally to local weather conditions.
Modern Technology
Solar dryers failed to adapt to local conditions and weather patterns.
Key facts
- Apricot Production
- 15,789 tonnes annually
- Harvest Window
- 20 days
- Drying Window
- 5-6 hours after picking
- Processing Units
- 4 private, 1 government (low capacity)
- Apricot Exports
- West Asian markets
- Solar Dryers
- 312 distributed, 300 installed
- Pack Houses
- 1,048 provided in Kargil
- Economic Contribution
- Rs 43 crore to Kargil's economy
Quotes
Mohammad Akhoon
Representative of the Fruit Growers Cooperative Marketing and Processing Society
“"There is a real need to study apricots, especially how global warming is affecting our farming," said Nasreen Fatima, senior scientist and head of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kargil.”
financialexpress.com
“"Most of it went to waste because there was no clear marketing strategy outside Ladakh," said Mohammad Akhoon of the Fruit Growers Cooperative Marketing and Processing Society.”
financialexpress.com





