Excelsior Correspondent
KARGIL, Nov 1: In a major step to boost local entrepreneurship and value addition, the Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC Kargil, Dr Jaffer Akhoon, today flagged off the first consignment of 4.5 metric tons of dried Seabuckthorn from Kargil to Chandigarh.
The event marked a milestone for Halman Apricots, a local agro-based enterprise engaged in processing and marketing Himalayan products.
Officials present on the occasion included the Chief Horticulture Officer Kargil, Ali Raza; Dr Faizan from the School of Agricultural Science and Technology, Kargil; and Halman Apricots CEO Zakir Zaidi.
The company has processed around 35 metric tons of Seabuckthorn pulp this financial year and plans to dispatch another six metric tons of dried berries after the ongoing cleaning and processing phase.
The dried Seabuckthorn was sourced from the Sankoo and Taisuru blocks, while pulping operations were carried out in the Suru and Zanskar regions.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Akhoon appreciated the efforts of local entrepreneurs and stressed the need to promote sustainable, value-added industries that can generate employment and boost the rural economy.
He urged the youth to explore opportunities in agri-based ventures using the district’s rich Himalayan bio-resources like Seabuckthorn and apricot.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
