Paddy plantation under full swing in Kupwara

Kupwara, June 10: Planting of paddy saplings is in full swing in this frontier district as thousands of families are directly involved in the agricultural activities. Sowing of paddy saplings starts in May and lasts upto ending June.

Paddy cultivation remains the backbone of agriculture in the lush areas of Kupwara, where the changing seasons brings forth a spectacle of vibrant landscapes. As the fields come to life, one might ponder the variety of paddy saplings adorning this picturesque region.

Paddy sowing was done earlier on a community basis. People would happily join each other and plant paddy in their fields but in recent years, a noticeable transformation has taken place in the realm of paddy cultivation, with skilled outsiders increasingly sought after for their expertise in the field. This shift reflects the evolving agricultural dynamics of Kupwara.

Sowing of paddy saplings not only generates livelihood for local labourers but for non-locals as well.

A non local labourer from West Bengal said that he along with his colleagues purposefully came to Kashmir for paddy sowing. “We charge Rs 600 per kanal for planting paddy saplings and at an average we sow saplings in around thirty kanals every day,” he added.

A local in the Jagerpora area of the district said that they prefer non-local labourers over locals because of their efficiency and love for work.

While talking to Greater Kashmir District Agriculture Officer (DAO) Kupwara Tariq Ahmad Mir shed light on the vast expanse of paddy cultivation, covering approximately 16,000 hectares of land across Kupwara. Mir highlighted the preference for the SR4 variety in the plains, while the higher altitudes favour the SR5 variety, cultivated with unwavering passion and commitment.

“Furthermore, the cultivation of red rice in Karnah, Tumina, and Chowkibal emerges as a lucrative endeavor for local farmers, fetching a handsome price of Rs 6000 per quintal in the market,” he added.

Meanwhile over three hundred flood affected irrigation canals have been restored and renovated in Kupwara district under MGNREGA for the smooth agricultural activities.

Farmers have taken a sigh of relief as they now have access to adequate irrigation water for their paddy fields.

An official said that desilting of canals and khuls have not only benefitted thousands of farmers, but has also generated 49427 days of employment and labour wages amounting to Rs 2.95 crores under MGNREGA till date, besides irrigation facility to more than 10000 hectares of land.

Assistant Commisioner Development (ACD) Kupwara, Muzaffar Ahmad Sheikh said that desilting of canals and khuls have mitigated problems of farmers which arose due to flash floods in the month of April. He said that due to flash floods irrigation canals had witnessed immense damage.