Scientists, policymakers, academicians and local stakeholders came together in Kargil to identify science and technology interventions for the region’s sustainable and inclusive development, with a focus on agriculture, food processing, renewable energy and rural entrepreneurship.
The one-day meet on “Science, Technology, and Innovation Need Identification for Sustainable Development of Kargil” was organised on July 15 by the CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR), Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (IIT Delhi), IIT Jammu and Government Degree College, Kargil. The event was held under the CSIR-NIScPR initiative, Leveraging CSIR Technologies for Rural Development: Expanding Initiatives and Identifying Opportunities.
According to the organisers, the initiative aims to promote indigenous technologies developed by CSIR laboratories to address rural development challenges across the country.
The meeting focused on Kargil’s potential in agriculture, horticulture, medicinal and aromatic plants, food processing, renewable energy, eco-tourism and rural entrepreneurship while addressing challenges posed by its difficult terrain, harsh climate and limited access to technology.
More than 100 participants, including scientists, government officials, entrepreneurs, farmers, self-help groups, students and community representatives, attended the event to identify region-specific technological needs and explore solutions for improving livelihoods, resource efficiency and climate resilience.
During the inaugural session, speakers highlighted the role of science, technology and institutional collaboration in driving sustainable development in the region. They stressed the need for stronger partnerships between research institutions, government agencies and local communities.
The technical sessions featured presentations on technologies suitable for Himalayan regions. Experts discussed advanced agricultural practices, dehumidified drying technology for crops, food processing and value-addition technologies, and the potential of heeng (asafoetida) cultivation to boost local livelihoods and reduce India’s import dependence.
Another session focused on funding opportunities, technology adoption strategies and institutional support for rural development, with representatives from NABARD, the University of Ladakh, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, IIT Jammu and local academic institutions sharing their perspectives.
An interactive consultation between scientists and stakeholders identified priority areas for future interventions, including sustainable agriculture, protected cultivation, renewable energy, water resource management, climate-resilient farming, eco-tourism, skill development and rural entrepreneurship.
The organisers said the recommendations from the meeting would help prepare a roadmap for collaborative projects involving CSIR laboratories, academic institutions, government agencies, financial organisations and local communities. They added that the exercise also helped raise awareness about CSIR-developed technologies and their potential application in addressing Kargil’s developmental challenges.
