33 RFO Trainees from Karnataka Forest Academy Undertake 5th Study Tour to Ladakh

A group of 33 Range Forest Officer trainees from the Karnataka Forest Academy, Dharwad, including 24 male and 9 female officers, visited Ladakh from 1st to 4th October 2025. The exposure trip aimed at enhancing field knowledge of forestry in extreme environments.

The tour covered major ecological and research locations such as Hemis National Park, Plant Field Research Station at Tsokstot (Diskit), Nubra, and the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary. The trainees were briefed by Range Forest Officers of Nubra and Durbuk. Key insights were provided on afforestation techniques adapted in the high-altitude cold desert ecosystem, native species selection, seasonal plantation strategies, and overcoming challenges like poor soil fertility and water scarcity.

The trainees also gained valuable insights into biodiversity conservation, learning about the unique flora and fauna of Nubra and Changthang regions. The tour significantly contributed to their practical understanding of ecological management in fragile and climatically challenging landscapes.