Tahab, Pulwama, April 11, 2025 – Farooq Ahmad, a 55-year-old farmer from Tahab village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district, has made a bold shift from traditional apple farming to integrated farming, a move that’s paying off with consistent daily income. Ahmad recently cleared 5 kanals of his 20-kanal apple orchard to cultivate high-value vegetables, marking a significant departure from the region’s apple-dominated agriculture.
For decades, apple farming has been the backbone of Pulwama’s economy, but its seasonal nature—yielding income only once a year—prompted Ahmad to explore alternatives. “Apple farming gave us earnings annually, but expenses like fertilizers and pesticides were constant,” Ahmad explained. “Vegetables provide daily income, which helps manage household and farm costs better.”
Ahmad’s transition to integrated farming involves growing exotic and high-demand vegetables like broccoli, lettuce, and bell peppers, alongside traditional crops. This diversification ensures a steady cash flow, unlike the long wait for apple harvests. His decision reflects a growing trend among some Pulwama farmers seeking sustainable income sources amid fluctuating apple prices and climate challenges.
“I’m satisfied with this shift,” Ahmad said. “It’s been beneficial, not just for me but for my family’s stability.” His success has caught the attention of neighbors, with some considering similar moves to integrate vegetable cultivation into their farming practices.
The Agriculture Department in Pulwama has supported such transitions, promoting high-value crops through training and subsidies for polyhouses. Experts note that integrated farming could enhance resilience for farmers facing market uncertainties, making Ahmad’s story a potential model for others in the region.