A Lahaul farmer Sunil Kumar of Raling village has produced a giant 17.2 kg cauliflower at an altitude of 13,000 ft.

 Lahauli farmers are excelling in off-season crops like cauliflower, potatoes, and peas.

- The Lahaul Potato Cooperative Society is renowned for supplying disease-free potato seeds nationwide.

Keylong: Sunil Kumar, a farmer in the high-altitude region of Lahaul has stunned the agricultural community by producing a giant cauliflower weighing 17.2 kg, with the average yield in the region being around 2 kg per cauliflower.

Grown at an elevation of nearly 13,000 feet, this off-season crop highlights the region's unique climate and farming techniques that allow for the cultivation of high-quality produce.

Lahauli farmers, traditionally known for their disease-free seed potatoes, are now diversifying into crops like cauliflower, potatoes, and peas, all of which are considered hardy and well-suited for the region's challenging environment.

The region's cropping pattern for cauliflower starts with sowing in March, transplanting in May-June, and harvesting between September and November.

This prolonged growth period contributes to the superior taste and quality of the produce, making it highly sought after in markets.

The Lahaul Potato Cooperative Marketing & Processing Society Ltd., recognized as one of the best in Asia, has long been providing disease-free potato seeds to farmers across the country.

Now, the same expertise and dedication are being applied to other crops like cauliflower, helping Lahaul establish itself as a hub for off-season, premium-quality produce.

With only one crop grown over six months, and the remaining half of the year acting as a climatic rest period, the produce from Lahaul is truly exceptional, both in size and taste.

Demand for these crops is so high that much of the marketing and sales are done well in advance, often while the crops are still in the field.