Kathua, December 1, 2025 – An innovative young entrepreneur, Mayank Goutam, has made a mark in the horticulture sector by establishing a successful dragon fruit farm in Nagari village, Kathua. The project, which began two years ago, has quickly become a model for youth-led agricultural initiatives in the region.
Inspired and guided by the Horticulture Department, Mayank received financial assistance under the Horticulture and Allied Development Programme (#HADP), which supported the establishment and growth of his farm. Leveraging his MBA background and modern farming techniques, he has turned the venture into a profitable and sustainable enterprise.
The dragon fruit farm not only contributes to local agricultural diversification but also serves as a source of inspiration for other young entrepreneurs and farmers in Kathua district. Officials from the Horticulture Department lauded Mayank’s efforts, emphasizing that such initiatives promote youth empowerment, innovative farming, and rural development.
Mayank Goutam’s success highlights the potential of horticulture entrepreneurship in Jammu & Kashmir and showcases how financial support programs like HADP can empower young innovators to make a tangible impact in the agriculture sector.
