Ganderbal, Feb 11: Mian Nazim, a law student from central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district has embarked on a remarkable journey from academia to entrepreneurship, with a special focus on agriculture.
Breaking free from conventional paths, Nazim, a resident of Wooder Kachnambal of Kangan, delved into orchard management, capitalizing on his passion and government support through the Horticulture Development Plan (HDP) scheme.
Speaking with Rising Kashmir, Nazim shared, “My entrepreneurial journey kicked off in 2021, initially centred around traditional orchards. However, recognizing the potential offered by the HDP scheme, I transformed my orchard into a thriving source of income.”
I express gratitude to the Department of Horticulture who gave me a 50 percent subsidy under the HDP scheme which boosted my confidence and provided crucial assistance, he said.
With unwavering determination and strategic foresight, Nazim expanded his orchard into an impressive 11-kanal HDP orchard.
The fruits of his labour were evident as Nazim’s orchard yielded substantial returns, generating four lakh rupees within the first year from just six kanals. Beyond monetary gains, Mian stressed, “My success isn’t just about financial prosperity; it’s about empowering individuals and fostering employment opportunities within my community.”
By employing and supporting two individuals, I not only improved their livelihoods but also contributed to alleviating unemployment in the area, he said. He attributed his inspiration to Mian Naqshband, “whose guidance and confidence were instrumental in my journey”.
Looking forward, Nazim said he remains committed to expanding his orchard while exploring sustainable farming methods. He envisions a future where entrepreneurship serves as a catalyst for addressing unemployment challenges and inspiring budding entrepreneurs globally.