Pulwama, Dec 25: Patalbagh village, nestled in the Pampore tehsil of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district, has emerged as a trailblazer for integrated organic farming in the valley.
With approximately 450 households, Patalbagh village strategically lies alongside the Srinagar Jammu national highway, gracing the banks of the River Jhelum.
This picturesque village has earned its distinction as one of Pulwama’s premier organic hubs, boasting a diverse agricultural landscape.
Irshad Ahmad Dar, a progressive farmer and member of the kisan advisory board, shared that the residents of Patalbagh take pride in cultivating a variety of crops, including the heritage crop of saffron spread over 1600 kanals of land.
Dar added that Patalbagh has earned a place as one of the highest producers of garlic and peas in Kashmir, with an average production of 6030 and 15000 quintals respectively.
“The village enjoys a spot in major oilseed growing areas of the district,” he said, adding that around 2500 kanals of land are cultivated with paddy.
“We are among the early adopters of high-yield varieties of paddy like SR4,” he said, noting that many youth have been scripting success stories in growing grafted and imported selections of walnuts.
He added that a significant number of villagers grow apples and plums too.
The progressive farmer narrated that more than 650 individuals derive their livelihood directly from different farming activities. He said that these practices reflect not only in the quality but also in the sustainable approach towards agriculture.
Furthermore, villagers informed Rising Kashmir that livestock plays a pivotal role in their economy.
They added that of late, many highly educated unemployed youth have set up units for rearing sheep.
“Patalbagh houses around 4000 sheep across 48 rearing units,” villagers said, emphasising the significance of animal husbandry in the local community.
Muntazir Mushtaq, an aspiring doctor preparing for NEET, said that a lot of educated youth have taken interest in reviving this traditional farming activity.
He has established an independent unit in 2014 and is rearing 50 sheep.
He added that around 25 sheep units in Patalbagh have been set up by youth, the majority of whom have sound educational backgrounds.
The residents informed that the village has around 251 milk-yielding cows. Patalbagh significantly contributes to enhancing the milk production capacity of Pulwama, known as the Anand of Kashmir.
Besides, the village has a digital dehusking unit, a flour mill, and an oil extraction unit.
