Kashmir Magazine By : Kashmir Magazine | Srinagar, Publish Date: Tuesday, July 16, 2024 1:26:18 PM | Updated Date : Tuesday, July 16, 2024 1:26:18 PM
Abrar Nabi | Raja Akbar
Pulwama district of South Kashmir, has recently gained fame for its successful cultivation of snow peas. The agricultural breakthrough has brought prosperity to local farmers and has put Pulwama on the map for high-quality produce. The district has become a hub for the cultivation of snow peas, a crop that has found a lucrative market in Europe.
The journey of snow peas in Pulwama began with a few visionary farmers who saw the potential of this crop. Among them was Abdul Rashid Mir, a resident of Chakura village, who played a pivotal role in introducing snow peas to the region. Mir’s journey started when he was approached by a Delhi-based company, Next on Foods Private Limited, which provided him with high-quality seeds and assured him of a good market for the produce.
Mir and other farmers in the village started sowing the seeds in November, and by the end of March, the crop was ready for harvest. The company experts visited the village, picked up the harvest from the farmers’ doorsteps, and facilitated the export of the produce to Europe.
The success of snow peas in Pulwama would not have been possible without the support of the local government. The Director of the Agriculture Department played a main role in providing the necessary knowledge and resources to the farmers. The department also provided bore wells for watering the crop during drought conditions, ensuring that the farmers could maintain a steady yield.
The turning point for the snow peas farmers of Pulwama came when Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned their success in his monthly radio program, “Mann Ki Baat.” This recognition brought national attention to the farmers and their produce, boosting their morale and opening up new opportunities for them.
The cultivation of snow peas has had a significant economic impact on the farmers of Pulwama. The crop has provided them with a steady source of income and has improved their standard of living. The demand for snow peas in Europe has ensured that the farmers get good prices for their produce, making it a profitable venture.
The cultivation of snow peas requires careful planning and execution. The farmers of Pulwama have mastered this process, ensuring that they produce high-quality crops that meet international standards. The farmers use high-quality seeds provided by Next on Foods Private Limited. These seeds are known for their high yield and resistance to diseases. The seeds are sown in November, ensuring that the crop is ready for harvest by the end of March. The farmers use modern farming techniques to ensure that the seeds are sown at the right depth and spacing.
The farmers use bore wells provided by the Agriculture Department to water the crops. This ensures that the plants get the right amount of water, even during drought conditions.
The farmers use organic methods to control pests and diseases. This ensures that the produce is free from harmful chemicals and meets international standards.
The crop is harvested when the pods are still tender and unripened. This ensures that the snow peas are of the highest quality and are suitable for export.
Technology has played a main role in the success of snow peas in Pulwama. The farmers use modern farming techniques and equipment to ensure that they produce high-quality crops. The use of technology has also helped in improving the efficiency of the farming process, reducing wastage, and increasing yield.
The export of snow peas from Pulwama to Europe is a well-coordinated process. The company experts visit the village, pick up the harvest from the farmers’ doorsteps, and transport it to a collection center provided by the Agriculture Department. From there, the produce is packed and shipped to Europe, ensuring that it reaches the market in the best possible condition.
Despite the success, the farmers of Pulwama have faced several challenges in their journey. One of the major challenges has been the lack of rain and snow during the winters, which has affected the yield. However, the farmers have overcome this challenge with the help of bore wells provided by the Agriculture Department.
Another challenge has been the initial resistance from the farmers to adopt a new crop. However, with the support of the government and the company, the farmers have embraced the cultivation of snow peas and have reaped the benefits.
The success of snow peas in Pulwama has opened up new opportunities for the farmers. The demand for snow peas in Europe is expected to grow, providing the farmers with a steady source of income. The farmers are also exploring the possibility of cultivating other high-value crops that have a good market in Europe.
The cultivation of snow peas has had a positive social impact on the community. It has provided employment opportunities for the local youth, reducing the migration to other cities in search of jobs. The increased income has also improved the standard of living of the farmers and their families.The farmers of Pulwama use organic methods to cultivate snow peas, ensuring that the produce is free from harmful chemicals. This has not only improved the quality of the produce but has also had a positive impact on the environment. The use of organic methods has reduced the pollution of soil and water, making the farming process more sustainable.Women have played a main role in the success of snow peas in Pulwama. They have been actively involved in the farming process, from sowing the seeds to harvesting the crop. The increased income from the cultivation of snow peas has empowered women, providing them with financial independence and improving their status in the community.
The success of snow peas in Pulwama has also attracted the local youth to farming. The increased income and the use of modern farming techniques have made farming an attractive option for the youth. This has not only provided them with employment opportunities but has also ensured the continuity of the farming tradition in the region.
Innovation has been at the heart of the success of snow peas in Pulwama. The farmers have adopted modern farming techniques and equipment to improve the efficiency of the farming process. The use of technology has also helped in reducing wastage and increasing yield.
The success of snow peas in Pulwama has been supported by various government policies aimed at promoting agriculture and improving the livelihood of farmers. The government has provided subsidies for seeds and equipment, and has facilitated the export of the produce to international markets. The demand for snow peas in international markets, particularly in Europe, has been a major factor in the success of the crop in Pulwama. The high prices offered by these markets have provided the farmers with a steady source of income and have made the cultivation of snow peas a profitable venture.
While the focus has been on international markets, the local markets have also played a crucial role in the success of snow peas in Pulwama. The increased demand for high-quality produce in local markets has provided the farmers with additional income and has ensured that the produce is available to the local population.