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Srinagar woman turns entrepreneur at 70 with organic brand

  • Idrees Bukhtiyar
  • Comments 0
  • 24 Nov 2025

Srinagar, Nov 23: A 70-year-old woman from Srinagar has turned entrepreneur by launching her own organic food venture, setting an inspiring example that age is just a number.

Anisa Bilal, a retired government school teacher from Sanat Nagar, Srinagar, has become an inspiration for many by launching her own organic food venture, Wild Valley Foods, proving that passion has no expiry date. “I never wanted to sit idle after retirement,” she told Rising Kashmir.

“People often assume that retired people are unproductive, but I wanted to prove that wrong. I wanted to keep myself busy and do something meaningful,’ she said.

Anisa, who holds a B.Ed and an MA in Linguistics, started her brand in 2021 using her personal savings. Today, Wild Valley Foods has grown into a trusted name offering a diverse range of Kashmiri organic products from kernels, saffron, almonds and raisins to honey, Himalayan Mountain garlic, pulses, aromatic Mushqbudji rice and various spices including turmeric, cinnamon and black pepper.

What sets her apart is her direct connection with farmers. “I personally visit farms across the valley,” she said. “We work with more than 25 farmers regularly. I meet them, check their produce and ensure everything is organic and of the best quality for my customers.”

Her search for purity has taken her to Pampore for saffron, Ladakh for cumin and apricots, and Kamalkote in Uri in search of prized Morchella (Gucchi). “It has been an interesting and fulfilling journey,” she said.

Among her most sought-after products is Himalayan mountain garlic. “It has huge medicinal value and customers love it,” she said. “It sells for around Rs 2,500 per kilogram.”

She adds that soaked nuts and dry fruit hampers popular during Diwali, Christmas and Eid are among her best-selling items.

What began as a one-woman effort has now grown into a small enterprise employing over 15 people. “I feel happy that I am able to provide employment,” Anisa said with a smile.

Her customer base extends across India and abroad, including the UK and the USA, something she credits to the power of social media.

“Our Instagram page, Wild Valley Foods, has over 115,000 followers,” she said. “I share videos explaining the health benefits of different foods, and people appreciate that. They watch it, understand it, and then order.”

Determined to stay independent - even refusing to depend on her own children - Anisa encourages other women to step forward and follow their passions. “Women should try to do something of their own,” she said. “It keeps you active, healthy and self-reliant.”

Looking ahead, she is exploring new ideas. One of them is introducing olives sourced from farmers in Uri. “Olives have multiple uses and great health benefits. I want to bring them to my customers too,” she said.

For Anisa, Kashmir’s richness lies in its soil. “Kashmir is blessed with natural, wholesome food. What matters is how we use it,” she said.

At the age of 70, Anisa is not just building a business, she is building a legacy of courage, health and self-reliance for women across generations.

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