Pulwama, Aug 26 (KNO): In a promising example of agriculture-driven entrepreneurship, a young farmer from Meej in Pampore has transformed government assistance into a commercial farming venture, demonstrating the growing potential of protected cultivation as a source of income and employment in Kashmir.
Rafiq Rasool has established two polyhouses with an overall project cost of nearly Rs 41 lakh under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP). The project received 95 per cent subsidy assistance, helping him set up a modern farming unit designed to facilitate vegetable production throughout the year.
Unlike conventional cultivation, where farmers remain largely dependent on weather and seasonal cycles, the polyhouses allow Rasool to maintain vegetable production under controlled conditions. The initiative has enabled him to diversify his crop portfolio and experiment with several hybrid and exotic varieties.
At present, the farmer is cultivating around eight varieties of pumpkin, besides cucumber and other vegetables.
Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Rafiq said the produce has found a good market and has provided him with a steady source of income.
Beyond generating income for himself, the enterprise has also opened employment opportunities for nearly 10 people. The project has thus emerged as an example of how assistance extended under government agricultural programmes can create not only self-employment but also jobs for others.
Rasool said young people should look beyond conventional employment avenues and make use of the opportunities available through government-sponsored schemes.
He encouraged unemployed youth to consider agriculture as a business opportunity, saying that modern farming techniques can make the sector financially rewarding when combined with proper planning, technology and institutional support.
“Government schemes can provide the necessary support to those who want to establish their own ventures. Young people should explore these opportunities rather than waiting for government employment,” the entrepreneur said.
Agriculture Department officials said such projects are part of efforts to encourage a new generation of farmers to adopt technology-based farming and develop agriculture-related enterprises.
The department, they said, was working to promote entrepreneurship among youth through HADP by encouraging beneficiaries to take up innovative and commercially viable agricultural activities.
Officials said protected cultivation has considerable potential to increase farm productivity, extend the growing season and provide additional employment opportunities in rural areas.
The department said it is encouraging eligible farmers and aspiring entrepreneurs to make use of various interventions under HADP and adopt modern techniques that can improve both productivity and profitability—(KNO)