Baramulla farmer’s journey: From dwindling orchards to thriving sheep farming

Baramulla, Oct 29: Ateequllah Wani, a forward-thinking sheep farmer hailing from Lolipora village of Pattan in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, says that unwavering determination and wholehearted dedication are fundamental to achieving success in any endeavour.
Sharing his remarkable journey, Ateequllah revealed that dwindling income from fruit cultivation prompted him to shift his focus to sheep farming. He explained, “For generations, my family was primarily engaged in fruit cultivation, with sheep rearing as a secondary occupation. However, in recent years, a combination of factors led to a significant reduction in our annual fruit income. This compelled us to explore alternative avenues for generating income and achieving economic stability.”
Starting with just ten ewes and one ram, Ateequllah’s dedication and hard work have seen his flock grow to over 160 sheep, now yielding an annual income of over seven lakh rupees.
His specialisation lies in the cultivation of Kashmir Merino sheep, and his commitment to implementing best practices in feeding, housing, and overall management has resulted in impressive production outcomes. His farm features three dedicated sheds, each accommodating 80 sheep, reflecting his unwavering commitment to providing optimal living conditions.
Employing a semi-intensive approach, Wani ensures a balanced diet for his flock. This includes oats, paddy straw, maize straw, natural grasses, root crops, and wheat grains during the winter. In the summer, his sheep migrate to highland pastures, illustrating a well-rounded and seasonal approach to sheep husbandry.
The success of Ateequllah’s sheep farming venture is particularly evident during Eid-ul-Adha when surplus sheep are sold as sacrificial animals.
While the journey has been marked by challenges and hardships, Ateequllah’s resilience and willingness to seek proper guidance have been pivotal in his prosperity. He acknowledges the vital role played by regular visits to the Sheep Extension Center of SDB Pattan, where he received technical advice and support.
He also highlighted the substantial contribution of a 50 percent subsidy unit and elite government rams received last year, which further enhanced the genetic quality of his flock. In recognition of this support, Ateequllah now supplies high-quality rams to the department when needed.
Reflecting on his journey, Ateequllah encourages unemployed youth in Jammu and Kashmir to consider sheep farming as a cost-effective and promising means of addressing unemployment issues.