Pulwama, Jan 10: Haroon Rashid, an elderly farmer from Vehil village in South Kashmir’s Shopian district, is spearheading a movement towards crop diversification in a region renowned for its high-quality apple production.
With a forward-thinking approach, Haroon advocates for diversifying agriculture crops as a strategy to cope with the challenges posed by climate change.Haroon initiated his journey into crop diversification in 2017-18 by cultivating high-breed varieties of vegetables on the terrace of his two-story house.
His quest for innovative farming techniques led him to the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Shopian at Balpora.
Here, scientists presented a method for indoor saffron cultivation through a power-point presentation, capturing Haroon’s interest.Undeterred by the traditional emphasis on apples in Shopian, Haroon decided to adopt saffron cultivation using the technology he learned from KVK Balpora.
With guidance from scientists, he successfully cultivated saffron using horizontal trays, turning heads with the vibrant purple hues adorning his terrace.The success of Haroon’s saffron experiment not only proved to be a farming innovation but also a lucrative commercial option.
Encouraged by his success, many farmers from Haroon’s village and neighboring areas embraced saffron cultivation.However, Haroon didn’t stop at saffron; he continued his diversification efforts by cultivating non-native plants and vegetables on his terrace.
From Ginger, Persimmon, Kiwi, Lemon, Orange, Broccoli, to Yellow, Red, and Green capsicum, Aloe Vera, and more, Haroon has transformed his terrace into a laboratory showcasing the successful diversification of various crops.
Highlighting the importance of diversification in the face of climate change, Haroon emphasized that it is crucial for agricultural sustainability. Initially experimenting with organic farming for personal consumption, Haroon has turned his innovative practices into a commercial venture since 2021, yielding decent returns.
The Concerned Agriculture Extension Officer acknowledged Haroon’s terrace as a successful model inspiring other farmers in the area to explore diversification.
