Kupwara’s Paddy Fields Abuzz with Activity as 16,000 Hectares Brought Under Cultivation

Kupwara, Jun 10: Amidst the sweeping green landscapes of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, paddy plantation has picked up pace, marking one of the most critical phases in the agricultural calendar. With approximately 16,000 hectares already brought under cultivation, thousands of farmers and labourers—both local and migrant—are engaged in sowing paddy saplings, hoping for a prosperous harvest later this year.

The plantation activity, which began in May, will continue through June and in some plains, extend into early July. Agriculture continues to be the backbone of Kupwara’s rural economy, and paddy, in particular, dominates both livelihoods and land use across the region.

What once was a deeply community-centric task—where neighbours would gather in each other's fields to help sow saplings—has evolved in recent years. A growing dependence on skilled migrant workers, particularly from West Bengal, now defines much of the sowing activity. These workers are appreciated for their efficiency, often completing the plantation of 30 kanals per day at a rate of Rs 600 per kanal.

“We come to Kashmir every year just for the sowing season,” said a migrant worker from West Bengal. “It provides us a stable income, and we take pride in contributing to the local agriculture here.”

Local farmers, like Abid Maqbool from Pohrupeth, say they prefer hiring non-local workers due to their speed and dedication. “They’re highly efficient and treat the work with sincerity, which helps us during this critical window,” he said.

Speaking to Greater Kashmir, a senior officer from the Agriculture Department highlighted that the region under cultivation has remained consistent, with a strong preference for high-yield paddy varieties. “In the plains, SR4 is widely cultivated, while the higher reaches of the district prefer the SR5 variety. Both are reliable in terms of yield and disease resistance,” he said.

He also pointed to the increasing commercial value of red rice, particularly in Karnah, Tumina, and Chowkibal areas. “Red rice continues to fetch a good market price—around Rs 6,000 per quintal—which has made it a profitable crop for many farmers in these belts,” he added.

As sowing operations continue, farmers remain cautiously optimistic. With favourable climatic conditions and active participation from the labour force, both traditional and hired, Kupwara’s agricultural sector is poised for a productive paddy season, bringing hope to a region where farming remains both heritage and livelihood.