RAMBAN: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Javid Ahmad Dar, on Monday reviewed the progress of development works and implementation of flagship schemes in Ramban district during an extensive tour of the area.
The Minister also e-inaugurated several completed projects and conducted field visits to assess development initiatives on the ground.
MLA Ramban Arjun Singh Raju, MLA Banihal Sajjad Shaheen, Deputy Commissioner Ramban Mohammad Alyas Khan, Directors of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries departments, Registrar Cooperatives J&K and other senior officers were present.
Addressing officers, Dar stressed the need for close coordination with public representatives while identifying and finalising development works. He directed officials to expedite ongoing projects and ensure that the benefits of government schemes reach people in a time-bound manner. He also called for greater public outreach and awareness programmes to maximise beneficiary coverage.
The Minister said the operationalisation of key tunnel projects and continuous improvement of the National Highway corridor are significantly reducing travel time and ensuring all-weather connectivity. He observed that these projects would strengthen regional connectivity and create new opportunities in trade, agriculture, horticulture and employment generation.
During the visit, Dar e-inaugurated various developmental projects completed by different departments and reviewed their impact on public welfare and service delivery.
Earlier, he inaugurated the Cooperative Super Bazaar Ramban and visited the Advanced Centre for Horticulture Development at Govindpora, where he reviewed initiatives aimed at promoting horticultural development and farmer welfare.
The Minister later laid the foundation stone for the Shah-i-Asrar Memorial School building at Kashkoot. Addressing a gathering, he appreciated the efforts of Advocate Raja Salim in establishing the institution and described it as a significant contribution towards educational advancement and social upliftment in the region.
As part of his tour, Dar also visited the Veterinary Hospital Banihal, Sheep Husbandry Office, Seed Farm, Agriculture Farm Tethar and Sheep Farm Zaban. He reviewed the functioning of these institutions and directed officers to strengthen farmer-centric services, improve livestock healthcare facilities and ensure the timely availability of quality inputs to farmers.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said Ramban is witnessing a new phase of development and connectivity driven by investments in infrastructure, road networks and welfare programmes. He said major highway upgrades and strategic tunnel projects are transforming the district into an important gateway region with enhanced economic and tourism potential.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Alyas Khan presented a detailed overview of developmental achievements and ongoing projects across sectors. He informed the Minister that Ramban has 36,550 active job cards under MGNREGA during 2025-26 and that 2,382 works have been physically completed. Aadhaar seeding has reached 99.78 per cent, while timely wage payments stand at 70 per cent.
He said 3,758 works were approved under MGNREGA during 2025-26, while 3,564 works have already been approved for 2026-27. Under PMAY-G, 503 houses have been completed and a survey under PMAY-G 2.0 has identified 25,530 prospective beneficiaries.
The Deputy Commissioner further informed that 1,505 works have been completed under various components of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen), significantly improving sanitation infrastructure in rural areas.
Highlighting achievements in the agriculture sector, he said oilseed production has reached 15,687 quintals. Farmers and rural youth are also benefiting from schemes such as Soil Health Cards, Kisan Credit Cards, PM-KISAN and Kisan Khidmat Ghars, which are helping enhance agricultural productivity and incomes.
The Deputy Commissioner also briefed the Minister on the arrangements being made for the smooth conduct of the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026.
During the meeting, the legislators from Ramban and Banihal highlighted various developmental requirements and public issues relating to their constituencies and sought their timely resolution.