Rooted in soil, rising in life: Gulshan Begum’s farming triumph
Kupwara, Dec 20: In the remote village of Dudipora in the Handwara area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, the journey of a young woman has come to symbolise resilience, self-belief and the transformative power of agriculture. At 35, Gulshan Begum has emerged as a progressive agricultural entrepreneur, inspiring women across the frontier district by turning farming into a sustainable and dignified livelihood.
Like many young students, Gulshan once aspired to secure a government job. A bright student until her second year of college, she was forced to discontinue her studies due to unavoidable circumstances. She later completed a degree in nursing, but instead of waiting endlessly for employment opportunities, she chose to create her own path.
In 2023, Gulshan approached the Agriculture Department in Handwara with a proposal to establish a low-cost polyhouse. The department approved her request, and within months, she began cultivating different varieties of vegetables under protected conditions.
Her efforts yielded results faster than expected. By 2024, she had earned nearly Rs 2 lakh in profit from vegetable sales, providing her family with financial stability and reinforcing her belief that agriculture can ensure both dignity and economic independence.
Encouraged by her early success, Gulshan sought to diversify her skills and income sources. She underwent a seven-day mushroom cultivation training programme at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kupwara. Following the training, a team from the Agriculture Department visited her home to assess feasibility and subsequently approved her for a mushroom cultivation unit, which soon became another steady source of income and strengthened her profile as a multi-dimensional farmer.
Livestock farming added yet another dimension to her journey. Despite initially not receiving support from the Sheep Husbandry Department, Gulshan remained undeterred. In March 2024, she invested her own savings to purchase ten sheep. Through careful management, the flock has since grown to 35, significantly improving her economic standing.
Support from the Animal Husbandry Department further expanded her integrated farming model.
Last year, she was provided with three cows, adding dairy to her portfolio. Gulshan says the integration of crops, livestock and allied activities has helped her build resilience against uncertainty and market fluctuations.
Today, Gulshan, who once dreamed of a government job, is an employer herself. She provides regular and substantial wages to three local youths who assist in vegetable cultivation and livestock management.
“Young people don’t see agriculture as a respectable and sustainable livelihood, leaving them with very few opportunities. I believe engaging youth in productive activities is essential to steering them away from social challenges, including drug abuse,” she said.
Looking ahead, Gulshan plans to diversify further by venturing into poultry farming and floriculture. She credits much of her success to the unwavering support of her husband, a police officer, who has consistently encouraged her ambitions, as well as to their three children, all of whom are excelling academically.
Gulshan also acknowledges the role of institutional and individual support in her journey. “The scientific staff at KVK Kupwara and SKUAST-Kashmir have been a great support in whatever I have achieved. I am also grateful to progressive farmer Mohammad Ramzan of Bramri, whom I regard as a mentor and source of inspiration,” she said.
At a time when educated youth face acute unemployment challenges, Gulshan Begum’s story stands as a powerful reminder that solutions can emerge from within communities themselves. With timely guidance and government support, she has demonstrated that agriculture can be both profitable and purposeful, offering a viable path to empowerment and social change.
