Agriculture in Zanskar is restricted by a highly compressed growing season and the total reliance on glacial meltwater for irrigation. The farming system is mostly organic by default due to isolation.
Barley is the staple crop, traditionally roasted and ground into *tsampa*, the dietary cornerstone of the region. Farmers also cultivate wheat, peas, potatoes, and root vegetables.
Animal husbandry is equally critical. Households raise yaks, *dzo* (a yak-cow hybrid prized for plowing), sheep, and pashmina goats. Livestock provides essential dairy (used for butter and cheese), meat, wool, and dung, the latter being carefully collected, dried, and used as primary winter fuel.
