Acting on the directions of Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, the administration said the move will protect Ladakh’s fragile Himalayan ecosystem, strengthen sustainable farming and boost the value of organic produce.
BY PC Bureau
July 18: In a landmark move to promote sustainable agriculture and protect its fragile Himalayan ecosystem, the Union Territory of Ladakh has imposed an immediate ban on the procurement, distribution, sale, marketing and use of chemical and synthetic fertilisers for agricultural purposes.
The decision, taken on the directions of Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, is aimed at transforming Ladakh into India’s largest certified organic region while preserving its traditional farming practices and ecological balance.
Under the new order, the use of chemical fertilisers across the Union Territory has been prohibited with immediate effect. Violators will face a minimum fine of Rs 10,000, the administration said.
“The Administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh imposes prohibition on the procurement, distribution, sale, marketing and use of chemical/synthetic fertilisers for agricultural practices with the objective of safeguarding organic certification, protecting soil and water resources, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and establishing Ladakh as a model organic region,” the official order stated.
Farmers and agricultural institutions have been advised to rely exclusively on on-farm and off-farm organic inputs for cultivation.
The administration said the initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of promoting natural farming, improving soil health, conserving the environment and encouraging climate-resilient agriculture. During the recent NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting, the Prime Minister had urged states and Union Territories to expand organic and traditional farming practices across the country.
Officials said Ladakh’s decision reflects that vision while recognising the region’s unique ecological sensitivity.
“Ladakh has been blessed with a pristine environment, rich biodiversity, unique agro-ecological conditions and traditional farming practices that have remained largely free from excessive chemical intervention,” Lieutenant Governor Saxena said.
“The prohibition on chemical and synthetic fertilisers marks a transformative step towards making Ladakh a fully organic Union Territory. This initiative will protect our fragile Himalayan ecosystem, enhance the value of Ladakh’s organic produce, improve farmers’ incomes through premium markets and establish Ladakh as a global model of environmentally sustainable high-altitude agriculture,” he added.
READ: Tribal Rights vs Uranium Mining: Meghalaya Holds the Line
Ladakh has been promoting organic farming for several years, capitalising on its traditional agricultural practices and relatively limited use of chemical inputs. As part of its certification drive, 207 revenue villages have already been brought under the organic certification programme.
The Agriculture Department has been designated as the nodal agency for implementing the ban. The departments of Horticulture, Cooperatives, and Rural Development and Panchayati Raj will support the transition through awareness campaigns, farmer training, capacity-building programmes and improved availability of organic inputs.
The administration said enforcement agencies have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the order, with penalties for violations.
The move is expected to strengthen Ladakh’s organic value chain, improve market access for high-value organic produce and reinforce the Union Territory’s ambition to emerge as a global model for sustainable high-altitude agriculture.
