Amid tough terrains, Banihal’s passionate integrated farmer turns to scientific farming, inspires others

Srinagar, Dec 13: Zubair Ahmad is an innovative farmer from Chamalwas village in Banihal tehsil of Ramban district who amid the tough terrains has turned to scientific farming and inspired many other youth to choose organic farming as a profitable enterprise.
It all started in 2020 when he started farming in his land spread over nearly 40 kanals. He started with growing different types of vegetables besides apples, kiwis, pears, plums, etc on sloping surfaces.
“Earlier, my parents would do farming but they would use traditional farming practices. I used to watch videos on farming. Initially, my parents did not allow me to take farming as an enterprise. I took this bold step and started practices integrated farming,” he said. “When I started farming, many people around me were very pessimistic about whether I could make it or not but today I am training others and many people including youth visit my farm.”
Zubair said soon after he made success in farming, it motivated many youths in his area and they have also come forward to set up their enterprise and have an interest in farming.
“Adopting scientific ways in farming is important. Organic farming has a very good future and it is very easy considering the environmental conditions,” he said.
A graduate of Amar Singh College, Srinagar, he initially used the farm to grow different varieties of organic fruits and vegetables using scientific methods. He later added poultry and cattle farming. Zubair sends all his agricultural produce to the local shopkeepers and it sells like hotcakes.
The passionate farmer uses social media to promote his products and has been getting good responses from people in and outside Jammu and Kashmir.
As he was exposed to the latest improved technical knowledge of agriculture, Zubair’s attitude changed towards agriculture. He was motivated to take agriculture as an agri-business with the adoption of all the latest technologies for improving production. He has been growing vegetables in greenhouses.
Zubair’s farming has generated the interest of youth and farmers towards farming. The farmer plans to start hydroponics farming for which he has been working over the past few months.
Notably, earlier in November this year, Lieutenant Governor Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha made special mention of Zubair in the ‘Awaam Ki Awaaz’ program for his innovative cultivation of fruits and vegetables.
The LG had then said that Zubair is an inspiration for agripreneurs and has been beating many hurdles and with the help of the Agriculture Department he has been successful.
Notably, he was also appreciated by Deputy Commissioner Ramban after seeing his success in integrated farming.
Considering the evolving climate conditions and the prevalent overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in crop cultivation, Zubair transitioned to organic farming and sought technical guidance.
Regarding organic farming, he emphasised that it offers low-cost production, high-quality produce, and presents an opportunity to command a premium price. Zubair highlighted the economic viability of organic production.
Zubair’s venture into organic farming and the resulting produce has proven to be a sustainable source of income for him. This success serves as a strong motivation for him to continue working diligently. “Farming stands as an excellent example for ensuring my financial security,” he said.