Srinagar, Aug 25: Marking a transition from a medical practitioner to an enterprising agricultural enthusiast, a Srinagar-based doctor has embarked on a remarkable journey of transformation.
Dr Muhammad IqbalBhat, once immersed in the world of medicine, now thrives as an agripreneur. With his land now having become a hub of agricultural productivity, he ardently cultivates flavourful and sustainable produce. This shift embodies his newfound dedication to providing quality natural products to the market.
Bhat, a resident of Sanat Nagar in Srinagar, said around 10 years back, he purchased 18 kanals of land in Budgam district but turning to agriculture was never on his mind then.
“I was working in Saudi Arabia in the Ministry of Health as senior ENT surgeon and when I came back home last year, I decided to choose farming. I got many opportunities here in the health sector but I opted for agriculture only on my purchased land,” the 60-year-old said.
Bhat started cultivating vegetables on the agricultural land this year only and he has got more interested in integrated farming model. He said that he found that the officials of the agriculture department were very helpful which gave him confidence.
“When I moved to agriculture, my wife and child were angry as to why I chose agriculture,” he said. The doctor-turned-agripreneur grows different kinds of vegetables like radish, cucumber, tomatoes, potatoes, onions, peas, beans and chillies etc. He also said that he has also tried to grow groundnut which is a unique crop in Kashmir. “There was no one involved in farming in our family. I am the only one and I am doing it out of passion,” he said.
Regarding organic farming, he said that the low cost production, quality produce has the opportunity to get good premium price and organic production is economically viable.
“In fact the farming and the produce will provide viable income to us which encourages me to do more hard work. Farming is an excellent example for any financial security,” he said.
The agripreneur said people, especially unemployed youth should use and utilise their land and opt for agriculture, adding that they will become job providers as this sector offers vast potential.
Driven by passion and a desire for positive change, his story illuminates the potential for individuals to pivot their careers and make profound impacts on both their lives and their communities. Bhat said that the agriculture department has been very helpful to the farmers including him as they also get quality seeds. “They department of agriculture gives everything to the farmers and now it is the responsibility of the youth to reap the benefits,” he said.
Bhat said that there is a good scope for agriculture in India and across the globe. His farm has become a source of employment for three youth this season. He has added horticulture into it and he plans to include floriculture in future. “I have also received a hi-tech poly house which was provided to me on 50 percent subsidy. This is a good scheme of the agriculture department which people or farmers can take advantage,” he said.
The agripreneur said that this year there were more rains which has affected the crops especially vegetables that grow in the open farms. Bhat said he has started from the basics and further plans to extend his agriculture farm and wants to create employment opportunities for the unemployed youth.
