Jammu, June 20: Minister for Agriculture Ghulam Hassan.Mir today said the Agriculture Department has taken up ropeway project for connecting the highly productive but inaccessible areas of Kishtwar to facilitate better and timely marketing of the vegetables especially the Kharif season peas, other agriculture crops and fruits, an official statement said.Interacting with the farmers and officers of the department, Mir said the project envisages   connectivity of the highly productive but inaccessible areas of Kishtwar including Padder, Ligrie, Chitto. Ungai, Kabban so that the produces, especially the Kharif season peas, other agriculture crops and fruits    reach the market in shortest possible time in fresh condition and without any bruises, blemishes or spoilage.
 He disclosed that an amount of Rs.155 lakh is being utilised for construction of ropeway carriage system between Sohal to Kabban   under RKVY Scheme. The   minister said that the project will soon be implemented.
 The Agriculture Minister, who is on a tour to the district, visited Saffron growing areas   including the Saffron Development Farm of Department of Agriculture at Berwar, Poochal and other adjoining areas. The Minister highlighted various initiatives taken by the department to improve the farming practices and the living standard of the farmers of this resourceful but under developed part of the state.
 He said that whereas the town and surrounding villages of Kishtwar were famous for quality Saffron production, the higher hills had a great potential for organic production of vegetables and other crops particularly during the season when there is a scarcity of such items in the hot plains.
 He said the farmers of the area can get premium returns of their produce provided efficient connectivity is ensured. Referring to the National Mission of Saffron, Mir said Rs 322.90 lakh has been earmarked for economic revival of the Saffron sector in the district during current financial year.  “An area of 20 hectares is envisaged for rejuvenation through provision of quality planting material”, he said. He said the Saffron Development Farm at Berwar is proposed to be covered to the extent of 8 hectares.

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