Srinagar, November 23,2025: At the age of 70, Anisa Bilal, a retired government school teacher from Sanat Nagar, Srinagar, has turned entrepreneur by launching her own organic food venture, Wild Valley Foods, inspiring many with the message that age is no barrier to pursuing one’s passion.
Anisa, who holds a B.Ed and an MA in Linguistics, started her brand in 2021 using her personal savings. Today, Wild Valley Foods offers a wide range of Kashmiri organic products, including saffron, almonds, raisins, honey, Himalayan mountain garlic, pulses, Mushqbudji rice, turmeric, cinnamon, and black pepper.
Highlighting her commitment to purity and quality, Anisa personally collaborates with over 25 farmers across the valley. She sources saffron from Pampore, cumin and apricots from Ladakh, and Morchella (Gucchi) from Kamalkote in Uri. Among her most sought-after products is Himalayan mountain garlic, priced at around Rs 2,500 per kilogram.
What began as a one-woman effort has now grown into a small enterprise employing 15 people, providing employment opportunities while promoting organic farming and sustainable agriculture in Kashmir. Her products cater to customers across India and abroad, including the UK and the USA, with strong social media outreach through Wild Valley Foods’ Instagram page with over 115,000 followers.
Anisa emphasises independence and self-reliance, encouraging women to pursue their passions. “Women should try to do something of their own. It keeps you active, healthy, and self-reliant,” she said. She is also exploring introducing olives from Uri to expand her range of organic products.
At 70, Anisa Bilal is not only building a successful organic food business but also a legacy of courage, health, and entrepreneurship that inspires women across generations.
