A 47-year-old farmer from the Narkara area of Budgam district has succeeded in his endeavor of thriving on exotic farming. With his efforts the farmer has established a profitable source of income through the cultivation of exotic crops in his vegetable fields.

Abdul Majeed Paul, a resident of Narkara, has become an exemplary figure for other farmers in the Kashmir valley, inspiring them to incorporate the farming of exotic crops into their own vegetable fields and kitchen gardens.

Narkara is one of the famous area in Budgam district, where 90 percent of the population earns their livelihood through vegetable farming, selling their produce in local markets, and the Parimpora fruit mandi on a daily basis.

While talking to the Rising Kashmir, Abdul Majeed Paul said that his family owns agricultural land. He and his two brothers also generate income through vegetable farming.

"For the past four years, we have initiated the cultivation of broccoli, an exotic crop, in our vegetable fields. This crop was introduced in the Kashmir Valley five years ago. My brother and I have successfully incorporated this crop into our vegetable farming, which has become a lucrative source of income for us," said Paul.

He further elaborated that earlier they grew a variety of vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, carrot, radish, potato, tomato, collard, aubergine, cucumber, spinach, and other types of vegetables, which were not profitable. “However, since we started cultivating the broccoli crop, it has become our primary source of income”, he said.

"When the Agriculture Department in the Kashmir Valley initiated the cultivation of this crop on a trial basis, I initially harboured reservations about incorporating it into my vegetable farming. However, after receiving motivation and guidance from the Agricultural Department, I, as a farmer from the Budgam district, decided to take the leap and cultivate this crop in my vegetable field for the first time. The support and guidance provided by the Agricultural Department in Budgam proved to be profitable to our family," said Paul.

He said that he has successfully cultivated broccoli crop twice this year, which has proven to be profitable on both occasions. It is recommended that farmers engaged in vegetable farming prioritise the cultivation of exotic crops over traditional vegetable crops, as the latter have a lower market demand in comparison to the former.

“Furthermore, I have sold one kg of broccoli for Rs. 160 in the market, having grown the crop on two kanals of land this year, as opposed to four kanals previous year. The cultivation of exotic crops in vegetable farming is highly sought after in the market, as consumers now prefer to purchase these new varieties of vegetables over the local ones”, he said.

Broccoli is classified as a cool-season vegetable and is most effectively cultivated during the cooler months of the year. The growth of the broccoli plant is adversely affected by the high temperatures experienced during the summer months. According to Paul, the optimal time to grow broccoli in the Kashmir Valley is during the months of July, August, January, and February.

Moreover, Paul advises that broccoli requires a sunny location with partial shade in order to thrive. A site that receives 5-7 hours of sunlight per day is considered ideal for cultivation. It is recommended to plant broccoli seeds in soil that is fertile, moist, and well-draining. To enhance the growth of the broccoli plant, farmers should apply a thin layer of manure or 2-4 inches of manure prior to seed planting.

He has also received an appreciation certificate award for his cultivation of exotic crops from the Education Minister of India, Anupurana Devi, in October 2022.

Abdul Majeed believes that young individuals who possess small plots of land can engage in exotic vegetable farming in their fields and kitchen gardens at home. During their free time, they can also generate a substantial income from this endeavour.

"If these employed youths show a keen interest in exotic farming, they can provide livelihood opportunities to thousands of youths in the agriculture sector. This will help to maintain a balance in the rates of vegetables in Jammu and Kashmir, boost farmers' income, and control inflation in the markets”, he said.

An official from the Agricultural Department in Budgam said that Abdul Majeed Paul is one of the diligent farmers in the district. He has successfully started cultivating broccoli crops in his vegetable field, which has proven to be highly beneficial for him and his brothers.

"The Agricultural Department in Budgam has provided support and guidance to Abdul Majeed, enabling him to earn a substantial income from exotic crops. Previously, farmers were hesitant to grow these types of vegetables in their fields," official said.

The official said that farmers should approach the department, as there are numerous schemes available to them. The Agricultural Department consistently discusses these schemes with farmers during programmes held in every village in the district. By taking advantage of these schemes, farmers can earn a significant income from the agricultural sector, which is a vital component of Jammu and Kashmir's economy.