CS Kundra asks officers to strengthen dairy sector in Ladakh

Chief Secretary, Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, today chaired a review meeting on the functioning of the cooperative and dairy sectors in Ladakh, focusing on strengthening cooperative institutions, enhancing dairy production, and improving livelihood opportunities for local communities.

The meeting reviewed the present status, challenges, and future roadmap of cooperative societies and dairy cooperatives across the Union Territory. Detailed deliberations were held on institutional strengthening, democratic functioning of societies, infrastructure development, credit systems, and sustainable cooperative-based economic models.

Officials from the Cooperative Department presented an overview of the cooperative movement in Ladakh, including the legal framework governing cooperative societies, manpower position, recruitment rules, and the status of societies registered under various Cooperative Acts. The meeting also reviewed the functioning of leading cooperative societies in Leh and Kargil districts, along with issues related to audit pendency, elections, and operational efficiency.

The dairy sector was also reviewed in detail, including the functioning of dairy cooperative societies in Leh and Kargil. Officials informed that several dairy cooperatives are actively engaged in milk collection and distribution, with societies such as Matho emerging as successful examples of community-led dairy initiatives.

The Chief Secretary stressed the need for greater transparency, accountability, and professional management within the cooperative framework. He reviewed the role of agricultural credit societies, PACS, cooperative banking mechanisms, and digital systems, while directing officials to undertake a deeper assessment of cooperative institutions to improve their long-term sustainability and effectiveness.

Kundra emphasized that sectors such as dairy, Pashmina, and agriculture hold immense potential for cooperative-led growth in Ladakh and directed the concerned departments to identify and develop successful cooperative models in mission mode. He stressed that government schemes and subsidies should increasingly benefit communities through cooperative institutions rather than individual-centric approaches.

The Chief Secretary further directed officials to strengthen dairy infrastructure, improve procurement and payment mechanisms for farmers, and enhance milk production systems through better planning, quality breeding practices, fodder management, and capacity building of dairy farmers.

He also called for close coordination with institutions such as NABARD and NCDC for policy support, financial assistance, and institutional strengthening of cooperative societies in Ladakh.

Emphasizing community participation and local success stories, Kundra suggested documenting successful cooperative models and farmer experiences to encourage wider public participation and promote sustainable rural livelihoods through cooperative movements.

The meeting was attended by Secretary, Cooperative Department, Ms. Bhanu Prabha; Moses Kunzang, OSD (Special Projects); officers from the Animal & Sheep Husbandry Department; and officials from other concerned departments.