Leh: The Ladakh administration has imposed an immediate ban on the procurement, distribution, sale, marketing and use of chemical and synthetic fertilisers for agricultural practices across the Union Territory as part of its efforts to develop Ladakh into a fully organic region.
According to an official statement, the decision was taken on the directions of Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena. Violations of the order will attract a minimum fine of ₹10,000.
The administration said the prohibition aims to safeguard organic certification, protect soil and water resources, promote sustainable farming practices and establish Ladakh as a model organic region.
Farmers and agricultural units have been advised to use only organic inputs sourced from on-farm or off-farm resources for cultivation.
The statement said the initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to promote organic and natural farming and is intended to protect Ladakh’s fragile Himalayan ecosystem, strengthen organic value chains and improve farmers’ access to premium markets.
The Lieutenant Governor said Ladakh’s unique agro-climatic conditions and traditional farming practices make it well suited for organic agriculture and described the ban as a significant step towards environmentally sustainable high-altitude farming.
According to the administration, 207 revenue villages in Ladakh have already been brought under organic certification as part of the region’s ongoing transition.
The Agriculture Department has been designated as the nodal agency for implementing the order, while the departments of Horticulture, Cooperatives and Rural Development and Panchayati Raj have been tasked with supporting farmers through awareness programmes, capacity building and improved availability of organic inputs. The administration said enforcement agencies would ensure compliance with the ban.
