Anantnag, 20 September, 2025: In a remarkable display of local ingenuity and innovation, a young resident of Anantnag has developed a low-cost ropeway system aimed at easing orchard harvesting. The ropeway, installed at the Leopard Hill Orchard, has the capacity to carry over 2.6 quintals of fruit in a single trip, significantly reducing manual labor and improving efficiency.
Speaking to local media, the innovator explained that the ropeway was designed keeping in mind the challenging terrain of orchards in Jammu and Kashmir, where steep slopes and uneven landscapes make manual harvesting difficult and time-consuming. The system is affordable, easy to operate, and requires minimal maintenance, making it accessible for small and medium-scale farmers.
Farmers at Leopard Hill Orchard lauded the initiative, highlighting that the ropeway reduces the physical burden on workers, shortens harvesting time, and minimizes the risk of damage to the produce. “It is a game-changer for orchard farming in the region,” said one local grower.
The project also reflects a broader trend of youth-driven technological solutions in agriculture. With limited resources, the young innovator has demonstrated that practical, cost-effective innovations can bring tangible benefits to rural communities and support sustainable farming practices.
Officials from the agriculture department have taken note of the innovation, emphasizing the potential for scaling up similar projects across other orchards in J&K. Such initiatives not only enhance productivity but also contribute to rural entrepreneurship and employment generation, aligning with the government’s vision to empower local youth and farmers.
As fruit farming continues to be a key source of livelihood in Anantnag and surrounding areas, innovations like the Leopard Hill ropeway are poised to transform traditional practices, bringing modern technology closer to the hands of farmers.
This achievement highlights how grassroots innovation can play a pivotal role in solving practical problems, creating opportunities for increased productivity, economic growth, and sustainable development in Jammu and Kashmir.
