Driving beyond Kulgam town, approximately 35 kilometers away, the serene orchards along the way stood prepared for the impending winter with their pruned branches. Amidst the towering apple trees, an orchardist’s thoughtful observation of the landscape caught the eye—a silent dialogue seemed to unfold between the farmer and his trees.
Enter Abdul Rashid Laway, a revered farmer from Manzgam Kulgam, a name synonymous with respect and admiration in the village. Despite his age, Laway, in his seventies, exudes confidence while overseeing not only the orchards but also nurturing a variety of flourishing crops.
Laway has been farming in a unique way for 30 years. He hasn’t used chemical fertilizers; instead, he relies solely on cow dung bio-fertilizer. This approach has helped him grow more than two dozen types of crops. His innovative farming recently earned him prestigious recognition for his sustainable practices.
He received a “Millionaire Farmer of India” title at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), PUSA, Delhi.
The awards organised by Krishi Jagran, known for its innovative initiatives in India’s farming and agriculture industry, conferred the Millionaire Farmers of India (MFOI) Awards 2023.
Laway said that the “Millionaire Farmer of India” awards are sponsored by Mahindra Tractors Ltd. These awards recognize progressive farmers excelling in the fields of horticulture and agriculture.
The agriculturalist Laway has also received the “Champion Farmer” award in recognition of his outstanding contributions in the field of “Diversification” (Horticulture) in 2021 from SKUAST Kashmir, presented by the Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha. And, was also honored as the “Progressive Farmer” of the Year in 2017 by the District Administration, Kulgam.
“For the last thirty years, I’ve refrained from using any chemical fertilizers, relying solely on bio-fertilizers like cowdung,” he said.
He said, “we manage around 30 Kanals of horticulture land where we cultivate roughly 30 different crop varieties. For instance, we grow four varieties of grapes, three to four varieties of peaches and apricots each, and approximately 5-6 types of pears—all traditional. Besides, we tend to have about 10-15 varieties of apples.”
He said, farming holds immense potential, urged farmers to preserve their agricultural heritage and refrain from disrupting nature through excessive chemical use. The traditional farming methods are eco-friendly and economically advantageous for orchards and crops, saving a significant amount of money.
“Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kulgam has consistently provided knowledge and guidance for effective organic farming. KVK is the knowledge house which imparts diverse knowledge among farmers” he said, adding that the overuse of chemical fertilizers will be a disaster for the environment in the future.
He recounted, “During the award ceremony in Delhi, I had the opportunity to interact with the Governor of Gujarat. He candidly shared that despite owning 22 acres of land, he staunchly dismissed chemical farming. His mention of organic farming deeply inspired me.”
Highlighting the importance of spreading awareness, he stressed, “My foremost goal is to acquaint people with the health benefits of organic farming. It’s crucial for everyone to understand that organic farming poses no risks.”
He elaborated on his farming methods, saying, “We utilize vermicompost in our orchards and leverage all domestic animals, birds, and other resources to support our organic farming.” He also noted the assistance received from the Rural Development Department in providing a water storage tank.
“Our crops yield unique products with a delightful taste,” he proudly shared. Encouraging fellow farmers, he remarked, “Others can adopt similar farming methods and cultivate diverse crops by leveraging different government schemes, provided they steer clear of idleness and embark on hands-on efforts.”
Advocate Amjid Rashid, Laway’s son, remarked, “This award stands not just as a recognition but as a testament to his relentless hard work and dedication in the realm of horticulture and agriculture.”
“He has consistently exemplified a passion for farming, serving as an inspiration to those who believe in the adage that hard work never goes unrewarded,” Amjid added.
Manzoor Ahmad, Head of KVK Kulgam, said Laway’s horticulture orchard in Manzgam Kulgam, spanning about 30 kanals where he cultivates apples, grapes, almonds, pears, peaches, plums, cherries, and walnuts.
“He (Laway) has integrated a Dairy unit, Poultry unit, and vermicompost with the orchard. He exclusively employs organic methods, utilizing vermicompost, Farm yard Manure (FYM), and on-farm products for crop cultivation,” Ahmad added.
