‘Instead of Waiting for Govt Jobs, Youth Should Avail Government Schemes’: Farmer Rafiq Rasool
Agri Deptt Promoting Youth Entrepreneurship Through HADP, Says Agriculture Officer
PAMPORE, August 24: Young farmers in Kashmir are increasingly turning government-backed agriculture schemes into opportunities for self-employment and entrepreneurship, with modern farming emerging as a viable source of livelihood for educated and unemployed youth.
One such example is Rafiq Rasool of Meej Pampore, who has utilised assistance under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) to establish two polyhouses and develop a modern vegetable-growing enterprise.
With financial assistance under HADP, Rafiq Rasool has established two polyhouses at a total cost of around ₹41 lakh, with 95 per cent subsidy support provided under the scheme. The facilities have enabled him to cultivate vegetables throughout the year, irrespective of seasonal conditions.
Inside the polyhouses, Rafiq Rasool cultivates a variety of traditional and exotic vegetables, including different hybrid varieties. At present, he is growing around eight varieties of pumpkin, besides cucumber and other vegetables. The produce is being marketed at good prices, providing him with a sustainable source of income.
His venture has also created employment opportunities for around 10 people, making Rafiq Rasool not only a beneficiary of the government scheme but also a job creator in his locality.
Speaking to Morning Kashmir, about his experience, Rafiq Rasool urged young people to explore government-supported schemes instead of depending solely on government jobs.
“Instead of waiting for government jobs, youth should come forward and take advantage of various government schemes. Such initiatives can help them become self-reliant and also enable them to provide employment to others,” he said.
Speaking to Morning Kashmir, Agriculture Extension Officer Pampore Mir Ashiq Hussain said the Agriculture Department has introduced several schemes aimed at empowering youth and promoting entrepreneurship in the agriculture sector.
He said HADP is one of the important programmes through which young farmers are receiving financial assistance, technical guidance and support to establish modern agricultural enterprises.
“The department is working to empower youth through different schemes. Besides providing financial assistance, we also provide training and handholding support so that young farmers can successfully establish and manage their ventures and become self-reliant,” Mir Ashiq Hussain said.
The success story of Rafiq Rasool demonstrates how government support, modern agricultural practices and entrepreneurial spirit can transform farming into a profitable enterprise. His journey from a scheme beneficiary to a job provider highlights the potential of modern agriculture in creating sustainable livelihoods and employment opportunities for the youth of Kashmir.
