The Ladakh Administration has launched the Trans-Himalayan Cold Desert Urban Forestry and Food Forest Initiative in Drass to address the region’s extremely low green cover (below 1%).
The pilot project at Khandiyal spans roughly one hectare and combines afforestation with food-producing species, using hardy trees such as willow and poplar alongside apricot and robinia. The approach aims to create microclimates that improve soil stability, retain moisture, and support vegetation growth in high-altitude conditions.
Unlike conventional plantation drives, the initiative adopts a “food forest” model, integrating ecological restoration with local food production. This is intended to reduce dependence on imported food while strengthening climate resilience in a fragile cold desert ecosystem.
Designed as a replicable pilot, the project seeks to build a scalable framework for expanding green cover across Ladakh while aligning with broader goals of carbon neutrality and sustainable high-altitude development.
Key Initiative Highlights
Targeting the "Green Deficit": Aims to expand the current vegetation base in Ladakh, which is presently under 1% total area.
The Pilot Model: The Khandiyal site serves as a scalable template for replication across other districts in the Union Territory.
Species Selection: Focused on Robinia, Apricot, Willow, and Poplar—chosen for their ability to withstand sub-zero temperatures and high-altitude radiation.
Multi-Benefit Approach: Combines carbon sequestration with food security, water conservation, and soil stabilization.
Collaborative Governance: The project is a joint effort between the Forest Department, LAHDC Kargil, and local community stakeholders.
Focus on Sustainability: Designed to address local water scarcity through innovative and sustainable water-saving plantation techniques.
What is a "Food Forest" in a Cold Desert?
A Food Forest is a sustainable, low-maintenance plant-based food production system designed to mimic a natural forest ecosystem by incorporating diverse layers of edible plants. In a cold desert like Ladakh, this involves planting high-altitude-hardy trees like Apricot and Robinia that provide food while offering shelter and nutrients to the soil.
Unlike traditional monoculture orchards, Food Forests create a self-sustaining microclimate that protects the ground from extreme temperature swings. For the Ladakh Administration, this is a primary strategy to ensure that "greening" the desert also provides long-term nutritional and economic value to the local community.
Policy Relevance
Addresses Extreme Ecological Deficit: Targeting sub-1% green cover, the initiative directly responds to high-altitude desertification and fragile ecosystems.
Integrates Climate Adaptation with Livelihoods: The “food forest” approach links afforestation with local food production, improving resilience without separating environmental and economic goals.
Supports Carbon Neutrality Pathways: Expanding vegetation cover contributes to carbon sequestration in a region with limited natural sinks.
Demonstrates Context-Specific Afforestation Models: Use of cold-resistant, low-water species highlights the need for regionally adapted forestry strategies rather than uniform plantation approaches.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: Given that Ladakh has less than 1% green cover, what specific water-management technologies, such as drip irrigation or traditional 'Zing' systems, are being integrated to ensure a 100% survival rate for the new Food Forests in Drass?
Follow the Full News Here: L-G launches Trans-Himalayan Urban Forestry initiative in Drass