MP Ladakh inaugurates Kargil's first heat pump Dehydration and cold Storage Facility

PRESS RELEASE MP LADAKH HAJI MOHAMMAD HANEEFA JAN INAUGURATES KARGIL'S FIRST HEAT PUMP DEHYDRATION AND COLD STORAGE FACILITY Kargil, Ladakh | October 10, 2026 In a significant step towards reducing post-harvest losses, strengthening agricultural value chains and promoting sustainable rural livelihoods in Ladakh, Hon'ble Member of Parliament for Ladakh, Haji Mohammad Haneefa Jan, inaugurated Kargil's first Heat Pump Dehydration and Cold Storage Facility at Kantakari, near the University of Ladakh's Kurbathang Campus, today. The facility has been established by The Tropicalist Trust, with support from EcoRainger, CRID and the SELCO Foundation, in collaboration with the local Yakzes Cooperative. The initiative introduces energy-efficient, precision dehydration technology to Kargil, enabling farmers and local enterprises to process apricots, vegetables, herbs and other horticultural produce closer to their source. Unlike conventional sun drying, heat pump dehydration allows for controlled drying conditions, improved product consistency and better retention of colour and quality. Combined with cold storage, the facility offers an opportunity to reduce seasonal wastage, extend the shelf life of local produce and improve market opportunities for farmers. INAUGURATION CEREMONY The Hon'ble MP was received by Dr. Madhavi Swamy, Founder Member of The Tropicalist Trust, who welcomed him with a traditional Khatak as a mark of respect. The ceremony was attended by several distinguished guests, including: Ali Raza, Chief Horticulture Officer, Kargil — Guest of Honour Dr. Faizan Ahmed, Dean, School of Agriculture Science and Technology, University of Ladakh — Special Guest Kacho Mohd Feroz, Councillor, Pashkum Constituency — Special Guest Ali Naqi, President, BZB, IKMT Ahmad Ali, CEO, LOGIC AGRI TECH and State Awardee Dr. Mansoor and Dr. Nazir Hussain, KVK-1, Kargil Dr. Rinchan Dolkar, School of Agriculture Science and Technology, University of Ladakh Dr. Abass Hashmi, Mendok Cooperative Society, Kargil Following the traditional welcome, the Hon'ble MP formally inaugurated the facility by cutting the ribbon and inspecting the heat pump dehydrator and cold storage infrastructure. The formal programme was anchored by Mr. Shabir Hussain Fayaz of the Yakzes Cooperative, who welcomed the dignitaries and participants. COOPERATION, COLLECTIVE ENTERPRISE AND PERSEVERANCE Delivering the welcome address, Dr. Madhavi Swamy introduced the work of The Tropicalist Trust and outlined its vision for strengthening rural livelihoods through appropriate technology, farmer institutions and value addition. In her address, Dr. Swamy emphasised three key messages. First, she observed that the people of Kargil do not lack capacity or enterprise. A community that has not only survived but thrived in one of the harshest environments in the world is capable of extraordinary achievements. Second, she highlighted that cooperation and collective effort have always been central to life in Ladakh, stressing the importance of cooperatives and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) as vehicles for strengthening rural livelihoods, promoting value addition and increasing farmers' incomes. Finally, reflecting on the many obstacles encountered by the Tropicalist Trust team in establishing the facility, she emphasised the importance of perseverance and remaining committed to a shared vision, even when progress is difficult. MP ENCOURAGES YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND AGRICULTURAL INNOVATION Addressing the gathering, Hon'ble MP Haji Mohammad Haneefa Jan congratulated The Tropicalist Trust and the Yakzes Cooperative on establishing this pioneering facility in Kargil. He underscored the importance of encouraging Ladakh's youth to pursue entrepreneurship and establish startups in agriculture and allied sectors, creating employment opportunities for themselves and their communities. He appreciated the potential of such initiatives to strengthen the local economy and assured the Trust and the cooperative of his continued support for development efforts benefiting the people of Ladakh. A STEP TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT The facility represents an important step towards building local capacity for scientific post-harvest management and value addition in Ladakh. The technology also offers potential applications beyond apricots, including vegetables, medicinal and aromatic plants, and other high-value horticultural produce from the region. The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Kacho Mohd Feroz, Councillor, Pashkum Constituency, who commended The Tropicalist Trust for bringing innovative and sustainable agricultural technology to Kargil. He expressed particular appreciation for the dedicated efforts of Dr. Madhavi Swamy and Mr. Shabir Hussain Fayaz in making the initiative possible.