Budgam farmer turns brick kiln land into vegetable cultivation, reaps success

Srinagar, Aug 07: A mason from Central Kashmir’s Budgam district has turned his land, which had once been occupied by a brick kiln, into vegetable cultivation and is rewriting the story of agricultural innovation and success.
M Yousuf Sheikh, a resident of Kuthipora BK Pora area of Budgam said five years back he turned his 10 kanals of land into vegetable cultivation. This remarkable tale begins with a simple yet profound decision that has transformed his life and the landscape around him.
“This seemingly ordinary shift marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey that not only changed my own fate but also inspired many others in the community,” he said.
Previously, he had earned a living as a mason and toiled to make ends meet and provide for his family’s needs. The daily grind often left him struggling to meet the demands of life.
“Some five years ago, my land was under a brick kiln. I would rent out the whole land to another person but I would not earn much. All of a sudden I thought of doing something in agriculture to earn a better living,” he said.
When Sheikh turned his land into agriculture it also attracted the attention of the agriculture department and then they provided him with greenhouses followed by drip irrigation.
“Then I realized that this is the good option that I choose. I am getting good income out of the vegetable that I cultivate of own,” he said.
Now a progressive farmer of repute, the 40-year-old has been growing vegetables like radish, garlic, cucumber, spinach tomatoes, potatoes, onions, peas, beans, chillies, etc.
Recently, he sold 40 quintals of potatoes cultivated in just 2 kanals of land. “This year I got good prices for tomatoes,” Sheikh said.
“I have been working hard over the years and thankfully I am earning a good income and I was able to get a good education for my children,” the farmer said. “Every farmer who has land can turn it into vegetable cultivation and provide employment to others. The only thing we have to start somewhere even if it is local level,” he said.
Many farmers and youth visit his farm to take a glimpse of her success and many have followed her footsteps.
Regarding farming, Sheikh said low-cost production and quality produce have the opportunity to get good premium prices and it is economically viable. “In fact, my farming and its produce have provided viable income to me which encourages me to do more hard work. Farming is an excellent example of my financial security,” he said.
Notably, his farming methodology garnered attention, prompting a visit from Director Agriculture Kashmir, Chowdhary Muhammad Iqbal, who commended his innovative agricultural techniques.