Anantnag, 22 September,2025: In a remarkable display of ingenuity and resourcefulness, 26-year-old Ovais Ahmad Khan from Anantnag, Jammu & Kashmir, has built a 500-meter-long ropeway using old vehicle parts to transport apple boxes from his orchard, located at a staggering altitude of 6,000 feet. This innovation is not only easing the arduous task of moving apples from steep terrains but is also inspiring local farmers and youth to think creatively about problem-solving.
Situated in the heart of Anantnag’s apple belt, Ovais’ orchard faces the common challenge of transporting heavy apple boxes across hilly and difficult terrain. Traditionally, farmers rely on manual labor or hired porters, a process that is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and physically taxing. Recognizing this challenge, Ovais embarked on an ambitious project to construct a ropeway system entirely from repurposed materials, including parts from old vehicles, pulleys, and cables, demonstrating both mechanical knowledge and innovative thinking.
The ropeway, spanning 500 meters from the orchard at 6,000 feet to a lower collection point, allows for the safe and efficient transport of multiple apple boxes simultaneously. This system dramatically reduces human effort and time, improving productivity during the harvest season. “I wanted a solution that was affordable, effective, and easy to maintain, using whatever resources were available locally,” Ovais explained.
Locals and fellow orchardists have lauded Ovais for his practical engineering skills, determination, and problem-solving approach. Many see his initiative as a blueprint for cost-effective agricultural innovation, especially in the rugged terrains of Jammu & Kashmir, where transporting perishable produce is often a significant challenge.
Experts in rural development and agricultural engineering have noted that such innovations can greatly enhance the efficiency of small and medium-scale farms, promoting self-reliance, sustainability, and local entrepreneurship. By leveraging old vehicle parts, Ovais has demonstrated that innovation doesn’t always require sophisticated equipment — sometimes, creativity and technical skill are enough to transform local farming practices.
Ovais’ ropeway project also carries broader implications for the youth of J&K. It sends a strong message that resourcefulness, dedication, and ingenuity can overcome challenges posed by difficult geography and limited infrastructure. His story is inspiring other young farmers and innovators in the region to explore DIY solutions for agricultural and logistical problems.
The ropeway is now fully operational, and Ovais is helping other local farmers understand how to replicate similar systems for their orchards. With such locally crafted innovations, Jammu & Kashmir’s apple belt may soon see a significant boost in efficiency, productivity, and reduced labor costs, contributing to better livelihoods for farmers in the region.
In a state known for its natural beauty and agricultural bounty, Ovais Ahmad Khan’s innovation highlights how ingenuity and determination can drive rural development, turning challenges into opportunities and inspiring a generation of problem-solvers in Jammu & Kashmir.
