Vol. 12, Issue 2 (2023)

Author(s):
Yogesh Kumar, Asif Bashir Shikari, Poonam Sharma, Gowhar Ali, Aflaq Hamid Wani, Sanjay Kumar and Deldan Namgyal

Abstract:
The study was conducted to explore the indigenous practices of preservation and storage of fruits and vegetables which have a special significance in the cold arid region of Ladakh, as it remains cut off from the rest of the country for almost six months due to harsh weather conditions. A sample of 200 farmers was randomly selected from 20 villages in four blocks of Leh district with 10 respondent farmers from each selected village during 2020 and 2021. The results revealed that the adoption of farmers’ underground pits/holes for storing vegetables was observed highest followed by underground structures (Vegetable Cellar). Finally, it was observed that there is still large scope for the adoption of indigenous methods of preservation and storage of vegetables and fruits for winter consumption as it is also reducing the post-harvest losses up to a maximum extent. Moreover, indigenous practices of preservation of fruits and vegetables helped in increasing the livelihood of farmers in the cold arid region of Ladakh.