In the small village of Hatchmarg, located just 35 kilometers from Handwara in Kashmir, a humble farmer has become a symbol of agricultural innovation and persistence. Mohammad Sadiq Badhana (52) has not only changed his life but also uplifted his entire village with his forward-thinking approach to tomato cultivation. His story is one of resilience, passion, and the unwavering belief that even the smallest idea can lead to profound change.
Sadiq Badhana’s journey began in 1990 when visiting Azadpur Sabzi Mandi, Delhi’s largest vegetable market. He was captivated by the tomatoes from Dholpur, Rajasthan, which were much larger, juicier, and more vibrant than the ones typically grown in Kashmir. The difference in quality was undeniable, and this left a lasting impression on him. It planted in him the idea that he could bring this same quality to his village, Hatchmarg.
However, his journey into tomato farming didn’t begin immediately. For nearly a decade after this inspirational visit, Badhana chose to stay away from tomato cultivation. The reason? Uncertainty and hesitation. But as the new millennium dawned, his passion for farming was rekindled. In 2000, he decided to test his hand by planting tomatoes on a small piece of land—just one kanal.
Unfortunately, his early attempts didn’t meet the expectations he had hoped for. The local market in Kupwara didn’t show much interest in his tomatoes. Most farmers might have given up at this point, but Badhana’s determination only grew stronger. He began searching for better seeds and more efficient methods to enhance his crops. His search took him to Srinagar, where in 2001, he found what he was looking for.
In Srinagar, Sadiq Badhana met a man named Ajaz Ahmad, who ran a seed shop on Court Road. It was here that Badhana came across a seed variety called Avinash 2, a hybrid tomato seed with great potential. These were not just ordinary seeds—they were the key to achieving the kind of quality he had seen in Delhi years earlier. With hope in his heart, he planted these seeds on 4 kanals of land, a significant increase from his initial 1 kanal.
This time, his efforts paid off. The hybrid tomatoes grew beautifully, and when Badhana took his harvest to the Kralpora market, the response was overwhelmingly positive. His tomatoes were sold quickly, proving that there was a demand for high-quality produce. This initial success gave him the confidence to expand his tomato cultivation, growing them on 60 kanals the following year.
The success of Badhana’s tomato farming didn’t go unnoticed in his village. Neighbours and fellow farmers saw how well he was doing and became interested in trying their hand at tomato cultivation. But Sadiq Badhana wasn’t just a farmer focused on his own success; he wanted his entire village to benefit from this new opportunity. He shared his knowledge, techniques, and seeds with others, teaching them how to cultivate tomatoes with the same care and attention he had.
This marked the beginning of a tomato revolution in Hatchmarg. Today, more than 400 kanals of land in the village are dedicated to tomato farming, and the impact is felt by every family in the area. The Agricultural Department has also played a crucial role in this transformation, providing villagers with free seeds, toolkits, greenhouses, manure, and expert advice. Workshops and frequent visits from agricultural experts have helped farmers continuously improve their skills.
The transformation brought on by tomato farming has been nothing short of remarkable for the residents of Hatchmarg. Each family in the village now earns around 2 lakh rupees annually from their tomato crops, a significant boost to their income. This new source of revenue has improved the quality of life for many in the village. The Hatchmarg tomatoes have gained a reputation for their exceptional quality, reaching markets far beyond Kupwara.
The social impact of Badhana’s efforts is equally impressive. The village, once struggling with limited agricultural options, has become a centre of tomato cultivation in the region. Other villages have started to take notice, with farmers from nearby areas visiting Hatchmarg to learn from Badhana’s experience. His willingness to share his knowledge and expertise has made him a respected figure in the agricultural community.
Beyond the financial success, Mohammad Sadiq Badhana’s story is one of leadership and community building. He did not keep his success to himself but ensured that others could benefit from his discovery and hard work. In doing so, he helped create a culture of cooperation and shared success. He also became a mentor to many, guiding farmers who were new to tomato cultivation and encouraging them to take pride in their work.
Badhana’s journey highlights the importance of innovation in agriculture. In a region where traditional farming methods have been practised for generations, his willingness to experiment with new seeds and techniques opened up new possibilities. His experience also underscores the importance of access to quality seeds and agricultural resources, which can make all the difference in crop yield and market success.
Looking ahead, the future of tomato cultivation in Hatchmarg appears bright. As more farmers in the village embrace modern farming techniques, their tomatoes continue to attract buyers from across the region. The Agricultural Department’s ongoing support will likely play a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the village’s success. Additionally, Badhana’s leadership will remain a driving force, as he continues to inspire the next generation of farmers.
