SRINAGAR: Lieutenant governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena today declared the Union Territory as India’s first 100% organic UT , stating that the organic transition is expected to create new opportunities for Ladakh’s farmers by improving the value of locally grown organic produce.




He said organic certification , better post-harvest management, value addition, branding and stronger market linkages can help farmers access consumers who increasingly seek authentic, traceable and organically produced food.




“Becoming a fully organic Union Territory is not merely a milestone; it is a commitment to protecting our fragile Himalayan ecosystem , preserving our traditional farming practices and ensuring better livelihoods for our farmers,” Saxena said, adding that Ladakh’s achievement can inspire other states and union territories to adopt sustainable agriculture in accordance with their own geographical conditions and farming traditions.




In July 2026, the LG had ordered a complete prohibition on the procurement, distribution, sale, marketing and use of chemical and synthetic fertilisers for agricultural practices across Ladakh stating that the move is aimed at safeguarding organic certification, protecting soil and water resources and strengthening the long-term sustainability of the agricultural sector.




Earlier in March 2026, consignments of organic fertiliser were flagged off for distribution among farmers across villages of Ladakh to ensure timely availability before the sowing season as the move was taken to support farmers during the transition.




“The organic transition is expected to create new opportunities and will improve value of locally grown organic produce including apricots, sea buckthorn, buckwheat, barley and vegetables,” Saxena said, adding that Ladakh’s organic farming policy applies not only to food crops but also to floriculture, including lily cultivation. A Ladakh government spokesperson said chemical fertilisers and pesticides have been banned in the region and violations could to a penalty of Rs 10000 and more.




He said the achievement marks a significant step towards protecting Ladakh’s fragile Himalayan ecosystem, improving soil and water health, enhancing farmers’ incomes and ensuring a healthier future for generations to come. “Building on its traditional farming practices and unique agro-ecological conditions, Ladakh is positioning itself as a model for sustainable high-altitude agriculture,” the spokesman said.




The LG said “our goal is to ensure that the organic status of Ladakh brings real value to our farmers through better market access, improved price realisation and sustainable livelihoods. We must combine traditional wisdom with scientific support, strengthen organic value chains and protect our natural resources.”