Highlighting the contribution of the Defence Institute of High-Altitude Research (DIHAR) in boosting the economy of Ladakh, Lt. Governor Kavinder Gupta said that the institute has transformed Ladakh’s agro-tech landscape by pioneering innovative cold-arid agro-animal technologies.
The LG said that the groundbreaking research of DIHAR has significantly enhanced food security, fostered socio-economic development, and strengthened civil-military cooperation in the region.
DIHAR’s advancements have enabled both local communities and stationed troops to cultivate a diverse range of fresh fruits and vegetables, even in Ladakh’s harsh climate. The institute has also improved food availability for the armed forces and introduced cutting-edge solar thermal technologies for sustainable heating—crucial for improving living conditions in high-altitude environments.
This LG, during his visit to the DIHAR Centre in Leh, highlighted DIHAR’s vital role in developing and implementing advanced cold-arid agro-animal technologies to support the Army and local communities in extreme climatic conditions.
He noted that DIHAR’s innovations — such as specialised greenhouses, passive solar energy systems, and research on medicinal plants — have been of immense benefit to both soldiers and civicivilian
Commending DIHAR for its revolutionary farming techniques, the Lt governor said the successful introduction of new vegetable and fruit crops in such a challenging terrain has been a breakthrough. He added that models like the Ladakh Greenhouse have ensured the supply of fresh vegetables during peak winter months, when temperatures plummet below minus 20 degrees, reducing dependence on tinned food.
Earlier, Dr. OP Chaurasia, DIHAR Director, gave a detailed presentation on DIHAR’s journey since its inception in 1960, aimed at augmenting fresh food supply for troops in collaboration with local farmers.
He highlighted the introduction of over 100 varieties of vegetables, several fruit crops, and the development of the Ladakh Greenhouse model.
Earlier, the Lt Governor also inspected the Vegetable Research Unit and the Animal Research Unit.