LEH/JAMMU, May 27: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena on Wednesday said an MoU was signed between the ITBP Leh Frontier and the Union Territory’s cooperatives department to create assured market linkages for local farmers, cooperative societies and farmer producer organisations (FPOs).
The lieutenant governor said that the agreement was aimed at overcoming challenges faced by farmers in finding markets for their produce.
“Aimed at creating assured market linkages to local farmers, cooperative societies and FPOs in Ladakh, including those in border villages, a historic MoU was today signed between ITBP Leh frontier and Ladakh cooperatives department,” LG said in his social media post on X.
Under the MoU, vegetables, dairy products and other essential food items will be procured locally through Ladakh’s cooperative societies, FPOs and Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) for supply to the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).Saxena said that the initiative aligned with the vision of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to enable Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and the Army to procure local produce through cooperatives, thereby generating employment and fostering self-reliance in border regions.
“I am confident this initiative will economically empower cooperatives, strengthen rural livelihoods and promote reverse migration, while ensuring fresh and nutritious supplies for ITBP jawans serving in remote areas under harsh conditions,” he said.
Amid growing concerns over drug abuse in Ladakh, the lieutenant governor chaired a comprehensive review meeting with senior government officials, medical experts, civil society members, religious organisations and NGOs to assess the situation and measures required to curb the menace.
Saxena directed authorities to launch a crackdown on drug cartels, conduct random searches of vehicles, including local taxis, maintain strict vigil at Ladakh’s entry points such as Zoji La and Sarchu, and enhance surveillance around schools, colleges and tourist destinations.
He also ordered the establishment of “112” as an integrated helpline for families and patients, with a dedicated team to ensure transport and rehabilitation through coordinated care.
