Amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Kashmir, the arrival of autumn paints the valley in hues of gold, signaling the start of a long-awaited harvesting season. With fields swaying in the breeze, a sense of celebration fills the air as local farmers gather to reap nature’s bounty.
“I want to thank God that this year the weather was good, the sunshine was good. We are cutting the crops which will go on for few more days. This year’s crop produce is much better than the previous years,” said Nazir Ahmad, a farmer.
Kashmir’s rich agricultural heritage, blessed with fertile soil, a temperate climate, and abundant water sources, yields a diverse range of crops, from rice and wheat to saffron and apples. As summer fades, the valley transforms into a patchwork of vibrant green and golden yellow.
Beyond hard work, the harvesting season here is a time for families and communities to come together in celebration. Festive attire, lively music, and delicious cuisine adorn every corner of the valley.
The farmers are delighted at the increased production of the Paddy this year and exclaimed that suitable weather aided better production of paddy this year as compared to the previous year. “With the help of new seed varieties’ the quality and quantity of paddy crop has been increased. This year the production of paddy crop has increased per hectare as compared to previous years,” said Abdul Gaffar, another farmer.
However, amidst the prosperity, there’s a growing concern as agricultural fields make way for shopping malls and housing complexes. Yet, Kashmir’s saffron cultivation, known as “red gold,” continues to shine. Hand-harvested crimson blossoms stand out amidst the golden fields, holding a special place in the hearts of Kashmiris.
Paddy is harvested on approximately 1.88 lakh hectares of land, which constitutes almost 32 percent of the total agricultural land in Kashmir. “There is no doubt that Jammu and Kashmir is becoming poorer in terms of agriculture land as more than 70 perc ent of agricultural land in south Kashmir has been converted for horticulture purpose, while North and Central Kashmir, on the other hand have had a crop,” official sources said.
Director Agriculture Kashmir Chowdhary Mohammad Iqbal told Good Morning Kashmir, “Although agriculture land is shrinking but we are trying to get quality and good quantity of grain and this year farmers have got quality and quantity of paddy crop. We are very happy and satisfied with that, our continuous efforts that our agriculture land is becoming more productive and fertile.”
Lush green paddy fields, which were visually appealing and provided food for the people, are rapidly disappearing and being replaced by concrete constructions. With housing colonies and commercial complexes sprouting on agricultural land, experts fear that there would be little land left for agriculture in Kashmir shortly.
A senior agriculture department official said, “The Revenue Department can provide an exact figure for the conversion of agricultural land to nonfarm activity.
“I will admit that conversion of farm lands is happening across Kashmir which is a cause of concern not only for the government but for locals as well,” Chowdhary Mohammad Iqbal, Director Agriculture said.
This season not only brings prosperity but reinforces a sense of community as neighbors unite to share the joy of a successful harvest. And the enchanting scenery and festive atmosphere draw tourists from far and wide, offering them a unique sensory experience filled with the colors, aromas, and warmth of Kashmiri culture.
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