Seeds of Change: Kupwara's Mustard Fields Reap Golden Harvest

Kupwara, Apr 6: A vibrant yellow blanket has spread across Kupwara district this spring, marking what local officials call a "yellow revolution" as thousands of farmers embrace mustard oil seed cultivation with unprecedented enthusiasm and success.

In the village of Gulgam 'A', residents have dedicated over 500 kanals of land to mustard cultivation—a sight never before witnessed in the area's agricultural history. The golden fields stand as a testament to a successful revival of double cropping practices that had nearly disappeared from the region.

"The concept of cultivating double crop had virtually vanished among our farming community," explained Abdul Hamid Lone, Sarpanch of Gulgam 'A'. "But thanks to the persistent and efficient efforts of the Agriculture Department, we're seeing a remarkable revival. The results speak for themselves."

The Agriculture Department's initiative to provide free seeds to farmers has proven pivotal in this transformation.

"Officials not only encouraged us to try oil seed cultivation but backed their words with action by providing quality seeds at no cost. Those villagers who opted out now express deep regret as they watch their neighbours' fields flourish with golden crops," Lone said.

For individual farmers like Abdul Khaliq, who cultivated mustard on 4 kanals of land, the benefits are immediate and tangible. "This harvest will make me self-sufficient in cooking oil for the entire year," Khaliq said with evident satisfaction. "In fact, I'm anticipating surplus production that will significantly boost my household economy."

Khaliq strongly advocates for the double cropping approach that has worked so well for him. "It's unfortunate that after harvesting paddy, many farmers across Kashmir Valley simply leave their land idle. I urge all farmers to consider oil seed or wheat cultivation following their paddy harvest—it can multiply your income substantially with relatively little additional effort."

Agricultural experts are working to dispel common misconceptions that might be holding farmers back. "Many farmers wrongly believe that double cropping will deplete their soil's fertility, but this is far from reality," explained an Agriculture Department officer.

"Moreover, mustard oil seeds are remarkably resilient, capable of surviving temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius, making them perfectly adapted to our local climate conditions."

The crop cycle fits well with the region's agricultural calendar. "Mustard is sown during October-November and harvested by late May," the officer noted, "creating a perfect complement to the traditional paddy cultivation timeline."

Despite the overwhelming success, farmers in Gulgam and surrounding areas point to infrastructure gaps that need addressing. The lack of local oil seed grinding facilities forces many to travel to Chogal Handwara for processing their harvest.

"Authorities should consider providing grinding machines to unemployed youth at the block level," suggested one farmer, with many others nodding in agreement. "This would create livelihood opportunities while simultaneously solving a major logistical challenge for mustard growers."

The scale of this agricultural transformation is reflected in hard numbers. The Agriculture Department reports that 6,700 hectares of land have been brought under oil seed cultivation this year—a dramatic increase from the previous year's 4,300 hectares.

"Last year, the district produced 43,000 quintals of mustard. Based on current projections, we expect to double that figure this season," a department official stated confidently.