Anantnag, Jul 11 (KNO): A school dropout from the Cheki-Isherdas-Wantrag area of South Kashmir's Anantnag district has emerged as a successful farmer by cultivating six varieties of watermelon and several other crops, creating employment and inspiring local youth to take up agriculture.
Talking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), farmer Muhammad Aslam Khan said he started watermelon cultivation in 2008, when many people in the village believed the crop could not be grown in the area.
"We established this farm in 2020, but I began cultivating watermelon in 2008. Initially, people did not believe watermelon could be grown here. With support from the Agriculture Department, Anantnag, we proved it was possible. Today, nearly half of the local farmers have taken up watermelon cultivation," he said.
Khan said he has cultivated six varieties of watermelon and two to three varieties of muskmelon on a 10-kanal demonstration farm, while watermelon cultivation extends to around 70 kanals at different locations.
"The demonstration field showcases different varieties, while our remaining cultivation is spread across other plots. We sow the crop in April so that harvesting begins by the end of June and continues through July. We stagger the plantation to ensure production continues for nearly two-and-a-half months," he said.
He said Kashmir has immense potential for vegetable cultivation and urged unemployed youth to join the agriculture sector.
"Agriculture is a profitable sector. Young people should not depend only on one source of income. Along with apple farming, they should take up vegetable cultivation. Unlike apples, which often involve delayed payments, vegetables are cash crops and provide immediate returns," Khan said.
He said his farm currently provides year-round employment to six workers, to whom he pays around Rs 1.20 lakh per month in salaries.
"There is no off-season in smart farming. Once one crop ends, another begins. Farming continues throughout the year," he said.
Recalling his journey, Khan said he was the first person to introduce watermelon cultivation in Cheki-Isherdas village in 2008.
"Now almost everyone grows watermelon here. I wanted to do something different, so I imported seeds from China and introduced six different varieties. The response has been encouraging and our produce is being supplied to Srinagar besides local retail markets," he said.
Claiming that his produce is completely organic, Khan said no chemical pesticides are used on the crop.
"We do not spray chemicals because watermelon should remain organic. I have even requested the Agriculture Department to get our produce tested in a laboratory so people can verify that it is chemical-free," he said.
He also cautioned consumers against fake products being sold in his name.
"Some traders are selling ordinary market watermelon using my name. Every genuine watermelon supplied by us carries our barcode and the name 'Muhammad Aslam Khan' or 'Pakhtoon Agriculture'. Consumers should check the barcode before purchasing," he added—(KNO)