Clay Pots to Cash Crops: The Success Story of Pulwama's Floral Entrepreneurs

Pulwama, Apr 8: Grown in polybags and clay pots, hundreds of flower saplings lie in an apple-pie order inside a small nursery set up by a husband-wife duo in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.

Last year, Sabiya Mushtaq and her husband Ishfaq Ahmed established the nursery and within less than a year, it has become a new address for flower enthusiasts, gardeners and decorates.

“We are getting an overwhelming response from the flower lovers across the district," said Sabiya.

Sabiya, a Post Graduate in Political Science decided to launch her own venture with her husband after several unsuccessful attempts in securing a government job.

“I was on the waiting list at times, and sometimes dropped altogether. Finally, I decided to start this business,” she said

The couple rented a 15-marla parcel of land near Circular Road on the edge of Pulwama town to establish the nursery.

According to Sabiya, her love for gardening and flowers since childhood spurred her to set up the nursery and turn it into a successful business.

“My husband liked the idea and supported me in establishing it,” she said.

The couple invested over Rs 8 lakh, and within a year, they were able to employ three persons at their nursery.

“We’re not only earning a decent livelihood but also providing employment to at least three individuals who now work with us as gardeners,” she added.

Flower lovers can be seen making a beeline for the nursery almost each day, buying different varieties of flower saplings and plants to adorn their home gardens.

The nursery offers a wide range of flower saplings, including Petunia, Gazania, Portulaca, Carnation, and Marigold.

“Petunia is among the most sought-after varieties in the area," said Sabiya, who has developed a fair knowledge of flower types available in her nursery.

The variety comes in many colours including pink, purple, white, red and yellow.

Among the flowering plants, Hydrangea, Hibiscus, and Bougainvillea are also ready to be offered to the customers.

“With time and experience, we are confident that our business will flourish,” Sabiya said.

Initially, the couple struggled to make a significant profit as they were still learning to manage the nuances of the business.

“...but we did not lose hope and continued to work hard. This year, things have started to improve. We are seeing better sales and more customer interest," said Sabiya.

She said that unemployed youth must start their own ventures based on their interests and skills instead of waiting endlessly for government jobs.

“The market responds well only if one has a clear vision, quality products, and consistency in effort”, she said.