Leh / Srinagar: The Administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh has issued formal invitations for local food‑processing entrepreneurs, self‑help groups and producer organisations to take part in a major national expo next February, offering travel participation support and publicity assistance.
A notification signed by the Director of Industries and Commerce, UT Ladakh, Mohammad Ashraf Bhat, JKAS, indicates that the 24th Food & Beverage Agro Pro 2026 – Viksit Bharat Maha World Expo Summit Awards will be held at Mahalaxmi Lawns, near Rajaram Bridge in Pune from 18 to 20 February 2026. Interested entrepreneurs in Ladakh’s food‑processing sector are asked to submit nominations in the prescribed format to the office of the General Manager, District Industries Centre, Leh or Kargil, on or before 8 January 2026.
Under the scheme, participating entrepreneurs initially bear their own expenses. However, the notification details a subsidy policy under the Ladakh Sustainable Industrial Policy 2022–27. Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Cooperatives and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) are eligible for reimbursement of 50 percent of the participation cost, subject to a ceiling of ₹2.00 lakh for first place winners, ₹1.00 lakh for second place, and ₹50,000 for third place per enterprise. The subsidy is limited to registration fees and space rental charges for fairs or exhibitions.
This step is aimed at giving Ladakh’s food and beverage processors national exposure and supporting their participation in a large‑scale marketplace, while easing financial burdens through targeted reimbursement.
A related public notice, also signed by Director Bhat and dated 24 December 2025, requests dissemination of the invitation and application form across social media channels managed by the Department of Information & Public Relations, UT Ladakh. The notice directs the Joint Director of the department to publish the information for entrepreneurs, artisans, SHGs and FPOs associated with food processing sectors. Copies of the order have been circulated to the Administrative Secretary, Industries & Commerce, and to the office file for record.
Officials said the outreach is intended to ensure broad awareness among local stakeholders in both Leh and Kargil districts. The dual notices underscore efforts to facilitate wider participation and to make the most of the subsidy while the window remains open.
The notification follows broader efforts by the UT administration to promote industrial activity in Ladakh, as seen in other public notices periodically posted on the official Ladakh government portal.
Local entrepreneurs, cooperatives and FPOs now have less than two weeks to prepare and submit their nominations to take advantage of the opportunity to showcase products on a national stage, secure financial support, and potentially attract new markets.
