Author(s):

PK Khosla, Krishan Kumar, Naveen Dutt, Kapil Kathuria, Piyush Mehta and Majid Farhana

Abstract: The present study refers to the `Cold Deserts of Ladakh Valley which are characterized by subzero winter temperature (-40^o to 20^o C), high summer day temperature (up to 40 ^oC) and annual precipitation less than 30 cm and that too in the form of snow. The inhabitants of Cold Desert have rich traditional knowledge concerning their crops, livestock and environment acquired through generational experience and experimentation with local resources. There is need to reinforce the traditional ethos and to build up a conservation society living in harmony with nature and making frugal and efficient use of resources guided by the best available scientific knowledge. Documentation of indigenous technologies of Cold Deserts with regard to land and soil management and water management, will go a long way in understanding, refining and assessing the technologies for the eco-economic rehabilitation of this otherwise fragile region. It will open the scope for scientific investigation of many farm technologies which are in vogue for the prosperity of the region and for which scientific explanations are not available. Participatory Rural Appraisal tools were used through detailed survey of the Ladakh valley. A total of 17 ITKs were identified for soil and water management.

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