Falak Bilal
Srinagar, Oct 19: When changing weather conditions disrupted his plans for the season, Abdul Ahad Wani refused to let the challenges of farming discourage him. Instead of allowing the loss of his lotus stem crop to bring his agricultural journey to a halt, he turned to alternative vegetables, demonstrating how determination and adaptability can help farmers overcome difficult circumstances.
Wani, who has nurtured a passion for agriculture since childhood, had earlier earned recognition for cultivating nadru, the lotus stem that holds an important place in Kashmir’s traditional cuisine. His fields attracted attention for producing the popular vegetable, making him known among people familiar with his agricultural work.
However, this year proved challenging. A heatwave, coupled with falling water levels, affected the conditions required for the healthy growth of his lotus stem crop. With insufficient water and unfavourable weather conditions, the crop failed to develop as expected, forcing him to reconsider his plans.
For many farmers, such a setback could mean an uncertain season and financial worries. Wani, however, chose a different path. Rather than leaving his land unused or waiting for conditions to improve, he decided to cultivate other vegetables suited to his farming plans.
He planted cabbage, cauliflower and haakh, the leafy green vegetable deeply associated with everyday Kashmiri food. The decision allowed him to continue working his fields despite the difficulties that had affected his original crop.
It is his haakh, in particular, that has now become a talking point.
Although haakh is among the most commonly grown and consumed vegetables in Kashmir, Wani’s crop has drawn attention because of its unusually large size. The vegetable, a familiar feature of Kashmiri kitchens, has taken on a striking appearance in his fields, setting his produce apart from what people generally encounter.
“Haakh is grown in almost every part of Kashmir, but vegetables of this size are rarely seen,” Wani said, expressing confidence in the distinctive growth of his crop.
For Wani, however, the achievement is not simply about growing an unusually large vegetable. It represents the value of patience, consistent effort and a willingness to keep moving forward when circumstances change.
Asked about the secret behind his success, he pointed to hard work and faith in Allah rather than any extraordinary formula.
“Farming requires a lot of hard work, patience and faith in Allah. You have to keep working sincerely and trust that your efforts will bear fruit,” he said.
His experience also highlights the importance of diversification in agriculture, particularly when farmers face unpredictable weather and water shortages. Depending on a single crop can leave cultivators vulnerable when conditions turn unfavourable. Exploring alternatives, where suitable, can offer a practical way to keep agricultural activity going.
Wani’s story comes at a time when changing weather patterns and declining water availability are creating growing concerns for farming communities across the Valley. While individual efforts cannot eliminate these wider challenges, his decision to adapt illustrates the resourcefulness that small-scale farmers can bring to their work.
Beyond his own fields, Wani has a message for young people, especially those who overlook the possibilities offered by agriculture.
He believes that cultivating even a modest patch of land can provide useful produce for household consumption and encourage a more productive use of available resources.
“If you have even a small piece of land, do not leave it unused. Grow something for yourself. It can help your family, reduce expenses and give you the satisfaction of producing your own food,” he said.
For Wani, farming is more than an occupation; it is a passion that has remained with him since childhood. The failure of his lotus stem crop has not diminished that commitment. Instead, his thriving haakh has offered a reminder that setbacks need not mark the end of a season. His fields tell a simple story: when nature disrupts one plan, perseverance and a willingness to adapt can open the way to another.
