Prof. (Dr.) Jigmet Yangchan is a Professor and Chief Scientist at the School of Agriculture Science and Technology, University of Ladakh, with over 18 years of experience in agricultural research, teaching, extension, and technology development. He specializes in Soil and Water Engineering, Micro-Irrigation, Natural and Organic Farming, Vermicomposting, Mushroom Cultivation, Permaculture, and low-cost agricultural technologies for high-altitude and cold-desert regions. He holds a Ph.D. in Soil and Water Engineering from PAU, Ludhiana, an M.E. in Irrigation Water Management Engineering from MPUAT, Udaipur, and a B.E. in Agricultural Engineering from Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, Agra. His professional career has included positions at SKUAST-K, Krishi Vigyan Kendra Nyoma, and the University of Ladakh. Dr. Yangchan has made significant contributions to sustainable agriculture in Ladakh, including the development of micro-irrigation systems, low-cost polyhouses and mushroom units, vermicomposting technologies, natural farming clusters, agroforestry and pasture models, and innovative technologies for farming at altitudes exceeding 14,000 feet. He has also supported farmer entrepreneurship, women’s self-help groups, and skill-development programmes across the region. He has 137 full-length research publications, 8 book chapters, 15 general articles, and numerous conference presentations and extension publications. He has delivered invited and keynote lectures at national and international forums and has contributed to policy-level dissemination of vermicomposting and sustainable agricultural practices in Ladakh. His achievements have been recognized through several prestigious honours, including the Best Extension Scientist Award (2025), Best Women Scientist Award in Soil and Water Engineering, Nari Shakti Samman, Eminent Scientist Award, Best KVK Award, Mahima Agricultural Excellence Scientist Award, and Mahima Young Scientist Award. He also secured AIR 1 in the ST category in the ICAR-JRF Examination (2003). 

Challenges and Prospects of Farm Women in the Cold Arid Ladakh AbstractFarm women play a pivotal role in sustaining high altitude agriculture under extreme agro-climatic condition in the cold arid region of Ladakh, where nearly 70% of rural households depend directly or indirectly on agriculture and allied activities. Women contribute 60-80% of farm labor, particularly in field preparation, sowing, weeding, manure application, irrigation, harvesting, and livestock management. However, they face multiple constraints. Severe harsh climate stress (under + 320C to -300C), including low precipitation (less than 100 mm annually) and declining snowfall, has intensified water scarcity, increasing women’s drudgery in irrigation management. Small and fragmented landholding (average below 1ha), short growing season of 4-5 months limited access to credit, extension services and land ownership further restrict their productivity and decision-making power. Out-migration of men has also increased women’s workload rising as male involvement decline. Despite these challenges, significant prospects are emerging. Introduction of polyhouse and greenhouse technologies has enabled women to produce vegetables year-round resulting in 30-150% income increases in several intervention villages. Women led self help group (SHG’s) engaged in vermicomposting, seed production, and value addition has annual earning ranging from 1.5-2.5 lakh per group. Government and institutional like KVK’s Agriculture departments, NGO’s etc support through skill training, climate resilient farming practices and women centric rural enterprises are strengthening their economic resilience. Overall, empowering farm women through technology, institutional access and market linkages is crucial for sustainable agriculture and livelihood security in Ladakh fragile ecosystem Keyword: Water Scarcity, Drudgery, Climate Resilient, Sustainable Agriculture, Livelihood