Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), an agro-animal R&D Institute of DRDO located in the high altitude cold desert trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh, organized its 24th Ladakhi Kisan Jawan Vigyan Mela on 12th & 13th Aug 2017. The main theme of the mela was to disseminate technical know-how of various agro-animal technologies developed by DIHAR among the local farmers and troops deployed in Ladakh sector. The Mela was inaugurated on 12th Aug 2017 by Lt Gen PJS Pannu, AVSM, VSM, General Officer Commanding, HQ 14 Corps who appreciated DIHAR for its endeavors and suggested that with the adoption of these technologies the local farmers should increase their supply of fresh food to army through their cooperative societies. The closing ceremony was held on 13th Aug 2017 which was presided over by Dr Sonam Dawa, the Chief Executive Councilor of Ladakh Autonomous Hill development Council, Leh. He emphasized that farmers should pay frequent visits to DIHAR and take the guidance of DIHAR scientists in adoption of new and appropriate technologies. Besides, demonstration of DIHAR technologies, various other agencies like state department of Horticulture, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Sowa Rigpa Unit, WWF, Farmers cooperative societies/self Help groups, Air force station, Leh and various NGOs displayed their products and technologies during the Mela. More than 20,000 visitors including farmers, military and para-military forces personnel, school children, etc attended the mela.
