Kulgam, Jun 23 (KNO): Despite recurring hail storms damaging standing crops in parts of South Kashmir, Wanigund village in the Qaimoh belt of Kulgam district continues to witness a thriving cucumber harvest, with farmers producing around 250 to 300 quintals daily.
Known as Kashmir's "Cucumber Village", Wanigund is home to nearly 200 families, most of whom depend on vegetable cultivation for their livelihood. Farmers say cucumber farming remains the backbone of the local economy, supplying markets across the Valley and generating handsome income for growers.
Talking to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), local farmer Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Dar said the village is currently producing around 250 to 300 quintals of cucumber every day. "Demand for our produce remains high across Kashmir, while market rates are also good," he said.
Dar said agriculture has become a dependable source of livelihood for many educated youth who could not secure government jobs. "There is dignity in honest work. During the harvest season, families earn between Rs 8,000 and Rs 10,000 a day through vegetable sales," he said.
He said farmers in the village cultivate a variety of vegetables, including cucumber, brinjal, collard greens, peas, tomatoes and carrots. "At present, cucumber is selling at around Rs 40 per kilogram, though rates fluctuate depending on market conditions," he added.
Dar, however, alleged that benefits under Agriculture Department schemes are reaching only a few farmers. "Our crops suffered damage due to recent hailstorms, but no official visited the area. Only a handful of people receive assistance, while the majority are left on their own," he claimed.
He also raised concerns over the sale of substandard pesticides and fertilizers. "Farmers need access to genuine products. The government should take strict action against dealers selling duplicate products," he said.
Another farmer, Bashir Ahmad Wani, said hailstorms and unseasonably cold weather had affected crops to some extent, but harvesting activity continues unabated.
"Almost every household is involved in cucumber cultivation. Despite weather-related losses, the village continues to supply vegetables to markets across Kashmir," he said.
Wani also alleged that government support remains limited. "Agriculture Department schemes benefit only five to six families, while the majority of farmers are yet to receive any assistance," he claimed.
The farmers urged the administration to assess crop losses caused by hailstorms and ensure that welfare schemes reach all eligible growers.
Meanwhile, an Agriculture Department official told KNO that departmental teams visit the village regularly and that government schemes and assistance are being extended to all eligible farmers.
"We are trying to make farmers aware of the available schemes. Everything is online these days, and people must know how to apply. Assistance cannot always be delivered at the doorstep, sometimes people also need to make efforts," the official said.
He said seeds, machinery, tools and other agricultural products are being distributed among farmers in a fair manner.
The official described Wanigund as a model village, saying that almost the entire population is engaged in vegetable cultivation and earning a livelihood through farming—(KNO)