India has a strong agricultural system that has transformed it from a food deficient to a food exporter. Due to which currently whole world is expecting India to ensure the availability of food grains even though India has only 2.4% of the global geographical area and 17.7% of the global population to feed. In the vast and dynamic landscape of agriculture, the role of farmers is pivotal. As stewards of the land, they bear the responsibility of feeding the growing population. However, the challenges they face are numerous and evolving – from climate change and technological advancements to market fluctuations and High input and less produce value with resource constraints. The transformative impact of cultivating high-quality farmers on the green production efficiency of agricultural practices is exemplary. It contributes to the discourse on sustainable development within the agricultural sector by demonstrating how targeted educational initiatives and the promotion of advanced technologies can foster environmental stewardship and optimize resource utilization.
SKUAST -K has made tremendous advancement in food production, as a result of scientific research, innovations, technological advancements and developed vibrant extension services system. The concerted efforts of researchers, extension officials, and other stakeholders of the varisity have helped to achieve socio-economic prosperity of many small and marginal farmers of Kashmir Valley. To increase farmers’ income, KVKs act as schools without walls and are providing specific trainings of different durations so that they can establish their own ventures for enhancing their family income.
Moreover, farmers’ technical competence is also improved through extension activities namely frontline demonstrations, on-farm trials, field days and awareness programmes about government programmes and schemes. There are many farmers who have been highly successful and flourishing despite the challenges and constraints. Through innovations and efforts, these farmers have not only transformed their own lives but of others too.
Inspiring farmer success stories who have overcome challenges and achieved remarkable success through innovative agricultural practices and we gave them title of being our Champion farmers who are seen in every nook and corner of the valley nowadays.
For the interest and general information of the readers we here under introduce some of our champion farmers:
Masarat Ahmed, a champion famer from Baramulla is a pioneer in cultivation of bulbs, planting material, exotic vegetable and spices with an annual turnover of 1 crore, employing more than 100 people. He has been fostered by SKUAST-K at technological front.
Izhan javeed, resident of Lassipora Pulwana is engaged in food processing business running a fully automatic fruit beverage manufacturing plant having captured domestic and international market. He has an annual turnover of 1 crore and has proved a champion in his field.
Zahid Ahmed Mir a champion farmer from Kulgam having an annual turnover of 71 lacs is a poultry famer with horticultural enterprise. He is running a sheep farm and is serving as a true extension agent in his area motivating and inspiring rural youth.
Adnan Ali Khan, a highly educated youth who prioritized his farming to a government job and became a beacon of inspiration for others. He is a specialist in marketing of apple on different online platforms. He has established a high ended processing unit with drying, dehydration and vacuum packaging facility. His contributions have received recognition at various levels. He has an annual turn more than 50 lacs having received a number of awards at state and national level.
|
A few of the numerous success stories of female champion farmers highlight the vital role of women in farming, dispelling stereotypes and paving the way for inclusivity. In a traditionally male-dominated field, showcasing the champion female farmers’ successes is essential for recognition and representation. Through their perseverance and innovation, these women defy odds, proving that gender is no barrier to success. Each tale showcases resilience, passion, and determination, offering a beacon of hope for aspiring farmers. From managing vast estates to pioneering sustainable practices, their contributions are indispensable.
|
Posha begum a champion in bee keeping hails from Zerhamain Kupwara district. She is an inspiring personality with 350 bee colonies generating with an annual turnover of 35.4 lacs. She has received acknowledgement and appreciations from the district and state administration for her achievements. |
Rubeena Tabasum a pioneer in landscaping and floriculture has risen to heights in this enterprise with an annual turnover of 90 lacs. She is involved in cultivation of cut flowers, floral buds and nursery plants. She is a leading figure in cultivation of exotic vegetables, rose and lavender and other medicinal and aromatic plants. She has received recognition from all the quarters of district and state administration | |
Towheeda Bano a postgraduate from Bandipora specializes in vegetable cultivation. She is a founder of Vegetable based FPO and has adopted organic vegetable cultivation with a turn over 0f 20.6 lacs yet in infancy but having very high targets.
SKUAST-K feels proud to hoist their hoardings and standees on the entrance of Krishi Vigyan Kendra as a source of inspiration for all other rural youth who visit our KVKs.
|
The insights presented herein advocate for the scaling and customization of farmer training programs to meet the diverse needs of various farm types, promoting a knowledge-driven approach toward sustainable agriculture within the knowledge economy framework. Our research offers valuable implications for policymakers, agricultural stakeholders, and the broader academic community, stressing the importance of integrating knowledge, innovation, and technology in cultivating a resilient and sustainable agricultural landscape so that many more champions of the farm can join them.
(The Author is Directorate of Extension SKUAST Kashmir)