Ladakh becomes India's first completely organic Union Territory

In a ceremony on Sunday, Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena proclaimed Ladakh as India’s first Union Territory to attain complete organic certification. The declaration follows a July directive that barred the procurement, distribution, marketing and application of chemical and synthetic fertilizers across the region. To support the transition, the administration launched an organic fertilizer distribution program in March, ensuring supplies reached villages before the planting season.

Saxena praised the achievement as a testament to sustainable farming in challenging Himalayan terrain and a commitment to preserving the ecosystem. He also noted that organic status should translate into better market prices and livelihood security for farmers. A spokesperson from Lok Bhavan said the shift could enhance the value of Ladakh’s specialty crops, including apricots, sea buckthorn, buckwheat, barley and vegetables, through certification, branding and stronger market links.