Raja Syed Rather
Ganderbal, Jan 27: Mehbooba Akhter, a determined female farmer from the Repora Lar area of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district has been cultivating routine cereal crops for the past decade. Despite facing challenges due to chilling winters, untimely rains, and hailstorms, she harboured a strong desire to increase her profits through the cultivation of quick-maturing vegetables and vegetable seedlings.
Sharing her journey, Akhter said upon the introduction of the Kisan Sampark Abhiyan under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) by the government, she actively participated in programmes aimed at informing farmers about modernised schemes and technologies.
“I learned about Hi-tech Polygreen houses designed for vegetable cultivation under extreme climatic conditions. This all-weather setup allows for the growth of vegetables and the raising of seedlings, promising additional profits,” she said.
Eager to turn her dream into reality, Mehbooba registered on the Kisan Sathi Portal under HADP. After approval and sanction, she installed a Vertical Expansion Low-cost Polygreen House on her land in Repora Lar. This installation eliminated climatic challenges, enabling me to grow various types of vegetables throughout the year, she said.
“Now equipped with the Polygreen House, my vegetable produce is ready for the market even when other farmers are still waiting. This gives me a competitive advantage, allowing me to make substantial profits and meet market demands consistently,” she added.
Beyond vegetable cultivation, Akhter has ventured into raising seedlings of different vegetables, adding to her income and establishing financial independence.
Expressing her gratitude to the Agriculture Department, especially for guiding her in installing the vertical expansion polygreen house, Mehbooba said. “The department’s subsidy made it affordable for me, proving to be a game-changer in my vegetable farming by significantly enhancing her net revenues.”
