KUPWARA, JULY 25:* In the heart of North Kashmir’s Kupwara district, a young woman is redefining success through sheer determination and innovative thinking. Humaira Ashiq, a 24-year-old BBA graduate from Drugmulla, has emerged as the ‘Garlic Girl of Kupwara’ after choosing garlic farming over a conventional corporate career.
Armed with ambition and a deep sense of purpose, Humaira began her journey with just 4 kanals of land. With timely guidance and support from the Agriculture Department, she ventured into garlic cultivation — a decision that not only brought her financial independence but also inspired many in her community.
“I wanted to do something different, something meaningful,” says Humaira. “Agriculture felt like the right choice — rooted in our identity, yet full of untapped opportunities.”
Her thriving garlic farming enterprise now stands as a symbol of youth empowerment, rural entrepreneurship, and women’s participation in agriculture. Humaira has created employment opportunities for others in her village, and continues to break social barriers that often limit women’s roles in agribusiness.
Officials from the Agriculture Department lauded her efforts, calling her a role model for the region’s aspiring agripreneurs.
Humaira’s journey reflects a broader shift in the mindset of Kashmiri youth — where passion and purpose converge to create sustainable livelihoods, even in remote areas. Her success story reinforces the immense potential of agricultural entrepreneurship in Jammu & Kashmir’s economic landscape.
