Leh, Ladakh – The world's highest twin agricultural fields, dedicated to the cultivation of lavender and sea buckthorn, were officially unveiled in Leh, Ladakh, on June 24, 2024. Situated at an altitude of approximately 10,600 feet (3,230 meters) above sea level, this initiative aims to bolster high-altitude agriculture and provide new economic avenues for local farmers in the Union Territory.

The fields were formally inaugurated by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology. This project is a flagship endeavour of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) – Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT), Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, demonstrating the potential for innovative farming practices in challenging environments. The development falls under the broader framework of the CSIR Floriculture Mission and aligns with the objectives of the 'Purple Revolution' for lavender cultivation.

One of the newly established fields is dedicated to lavender, a crop central to India's 'Purple Revolution,' a component of the AROMA Mission. This national initiative seeks to promote aromatic crop cultivation, processing, and product development, particularly in regions like Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Lavender cultivation offers potential for essential oil extraction, which is utilized in the perfumery, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. By establishing these high-altitude fields, CSIR-IHBT aims to showcase the commercial viability of lavender farming in Ladakh, which was previously unattempted at such elevations.

The second field focuses on sea buckthorn, locally known as "Leh berry." Sea buckthorn is a naturally occurring shrub in the cold desert regions of Ladakh, renowned for its nutritional and medicinal properties. Its berries are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids, making them valuable for food, health supplements, and pharmaceutical products. While sea buckthorn harvesting has been a traditional activity in Ladakh, the development of a dedicated cultivated field signifies an effort to standardize production, improve yields, and explore advanced processing techniques for this high-value crop. This planned cultivation is expected to enhance the existing sea buckthorn industry, providing a stable source of raw material for local enterprises.

CSIR-IHBT's involvement underscores the scientific approach to this agricultural expansion. The institute has conducted extensive research into optimizing cultivation techniques suitable for Ladakh's harsh climatic conditions, including extreme temperatures and low oxygen levels. This includes selecting robust plant varieties and implementing sustainable irrigation methods. The project seeks to empower local communities by providing training and technological support, enabling farmers to diversify their income streams beyond traditional subsistence agriculture.

The establishment of these twin fields is anticipated to have multiple impacts. Economically, it offers new cash crop opportunities, potentially increasing farmer incomes and reducing reliance on traditional, less remunerative crops. Environmentally, it promotes sustainable land use by utilizing previously underutilized high-altitude land. Furthermore, this initiative aligns with the government's vision for the holistic development of Ladakh, fostering self-reliance and innovation in the region's agricultural sector. The success of these fields may pave the way for broader adoption of similar high-value aromatic and medicinal plant cultivation across other cold desert areas of India.