From soil to soul: Budnamal’s rajma, potatoes set a benchmark in north Kashmir’s yield quality

Kupwara, Dec 7: Almost 48 kilometers from the district headquarters Kupwara, lies Budnamal, a picturesque border village known for producing the finest varieties of rajma and potatoes. Surrounded by dense forests and lofty mountains, this remote village has built its identity around the two crops that define both its culture and economy.

The village nestled in the close proximity of Line of Control (LoC) is an abode for over 5,000 residents who take pride for being recognised with the name of their village.

Budnamal’s unique topography, fertile soil and traditional, chemical-free farming practices makes it different from other areas of the district. The village’s red rajma, distinguished by its deep colour, rich aroma and soft texture, remains in high demand across the district and even in other parts of Kashmir Valley especially during winters.

The potatoes of Budnamal are naturally rich in potassium, and are being cherished for their exceptional taste and impressive shelf-life, often lasting through the harshest winter months without spoiling.

Several residents while talking to Greater Kashmir said that the rajma and potatoes are more than just agricultural produce and represent the soil, soul and spirit of Budnamal. "The red beans (rajma) grown here are unmatched in quality making them special and expensive. Even the potatoes never get spoiled, even during the toughest winter months," said Mohammad Maqbool, a local farmer.

Potato farming in Budnamal starts in June with the sowing of seeds, and after months of hardwork the crop is harvested in September. The unique thing about Budnamal is that the farmers here don't resort to chemical additives. "People from other parts of Kashmir prefer the rajma and potatoes of Budnamal because of their purity and taste. Everything we grow is natural," said Fayaz Ahmad,  another farmer of the area.

Over 400 kanals of land in Budnamal have been dedicated to potato and rajma cultivation. "Rice is not grown in our area due to hilly terrain and climatic conditions, making rajma and potatoes the only means of livelihood for us," he added.

During harvesting of potatoes and rajma, people and traders from Kupwara, Baramulla, Sopore and other towns arrive here to purchase the produce directly from the farmers. "A 50-kg bag of potatoes sells between Rs 1,200 and Rs 1,500, while one kilogram of rajma fetches around Rs 300 throughout the year. Demand remains consistently high, particularly in winter when families across Kashmir turn to nutrient-rich foods that store well in cold conditions," said Sadeeq Alam.

Mohammad Maqbool, an elderly farmer, who has been cultivating potatoes for the last six decades said Budnamal’s natural conditions and farming traditions make both the crops unique. "We have inherited the process of cultivating potatoes and rajma from our ancestors. I believe the soil here has a blessing in it. Everything that grows here is special," he said.

Despite their dedication, farmers in Budnamal feel neglected as no support is being provided by the department of agriculture. "We work on our own, with no guidance, no schemes, and no technical help from the department. Authorities must recognise Budnamal’s agricultural potential and provide necessary assistance to the farmers here," said a local farmer. Beyond the fame for potatoes and rajma, Budnamal offers great potential for border tourism which attracts visitors during summer. People across Kashmir valley prefer to visit Budnamal during summer months to have firsthand experience of this picturesque village of Kupwara.