Humayun Shabir’s farm brings global techniques to Ganderbal

Ganderbal, Apr 10: A cutting-edge model orchard, developed by young horticulturist Humayun Shabir, was inaugurated in the Zazuna area on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in the field of horticulture.

The model orchard, spread over 1.5 kanals of land, was established under Kashmir Agniventures, an initiative founded by Humayun, who brings deep academic grounding and a global vision to the project.

“This model orchard is a testament to the power of innovation and technology in agriculture. Our goal is to provide a platform for farmers, researchers, and students to learn and share knowledge,” Humayun told Greater Kashmir.

He added that the orchard is expected to have a significant impact on the local farming community by providing access to cutting-edge technology, expertise, and resources. “This initiative will undoubtedly benefit our farmers and contribute to the growth of our agricultural sector.”

The highlight of the inauguration was the launch of the Bibaum plantation system, a patented dual leader tree training technique developed by Mazzoni. This marks the first implementation of this system in Kashmir. Bibaum allows for the production of narrow fruit tree orchards with apples, pears, and cherries, improving management efficiency and increasing productivity while enabling mechanisation of activities like pruning and thinning.

Humayun plans to expand the model orchard, incorporating more innovative features and technologies. “This model orchard is just the beginning. Agniventures is here to bridge the gap between world-class innovation and local potential,” he said.

Among those present at the inauguration was Giulio Corazza, a global horticultural expert and sales manager of Mazzoni Group Nursery Division. With over ten years of experience, Corazza brings technical insight and practical expertise to guide the adoption of advanced systems in the valley.