Novel water harnessing techniques: Boon for quality apple introduction in Trans-Himalayas (Ladakh)

摘要

Ladakh is a cold arid region of India. Owing to prolonged severe winter, this region has limited cropping season and cultivation of barley and vegetable is possible during summer (May-October) with apple and apricot as main fruit crops. As scanty rainfall occurs, the region is known as cold desert. The main source of water in the region are glaciers which melt during summer and irrigate through canals linked with rivers. Cultivation is possible only near the river sites. Any crop in Ladakh can be grown with assured irrigation. Most part of the region is barren due to lack of water for irrigation. Therefore, efficient water management is very important aspect and several water harnessing aids like mulching, drip irrigation and hydrogel can play an important role for growing the crops in water scarce conditions.