Mountain Agriculture in Gilgit-Baltistan-I
Mountain Agriculture in Gilgit-Baltistan-I (Published in The Nation dated August 10, 2002) By Syed Shamsuddin Verily, nature has been bounteous in the G-B. Its munificence becomes evident from the phenomena all across this region – be it the gigantic water towers giving a lease of life to the dwellers of the plains in the south, skyscraping peaks attracting the world tourists and climbers – abundant mineral wealth ranging from precious and semi-precious stones to the finest quality of gold. Its azure lakes, rivulets – what and what not that enrapture those who find a chance to have a bird’s eye view. To state precisely, the region has the history, been attracting explorers, tourists of all hues – climbers, trekkers, and those fond of hiking in mountainous regions. These amazing natural phenomena together, constitute a stupendous mountain ecosystem, beyond any exaggeration. To top them all is the astounding potential of its soil ...