BHADARWAH, March 28, 2025 – Nasreen Akhter, a post-graduate farmer from Jammu and Kashmir, has emerged as a trailblazer in sustainable agriculture by establishing a high-tech poly greenhouse under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP). With a unit cost of Rs 21.67 lakhs and a subsidy of Rs 20.58 lakhs from the government, her innovative venture, set up on March 10, 2024, is revolutionizing farming practices, boosting productivity, and inspiring resilience and empowerment in her community.
Nasreen’s journey into modern agriculture began when she leveraged the opportunities provided by the HADP, a transformative initiative aimed at doubling farmers’ incomes and promoting sustainable growth in Jammu and Kashmir. Armed with her post-graduate education and a vision for change, she established a state-of-the-art poly greenhouse in the hilly Doda district. The facility, equipped with advanced technologies like automated irrigation, climate control systems, and supplemental lighting, allows her to cultivate crops in a controlled environment, defying the region’s harsh weather and seasonal limitations.
“I wanted to use my education to make a difference,” Nasreen said in an interview. “The HADP gave me the platform to turn my ideas into reality. With this greenhouse, I can grow high-value crops that were once unimaginable here.”
The poly greenhouse, established at a total cost of Rs 21.67 lakhs, was made possible through a substantial Rs 20.58 lakhs subsidy under the HADP, covering 95% of the expenses. Since its setup on March 10, 2024, the unit has delivered remarkable results. By maintaining optimal temperature, humidity, and light levels, Nasreen has significantly increased her yield, producing exotic vegetables and fruits year-round. “The productivity is far beyond what I achieved with traditional farming,” she noted. “It’s a sustainable way to secure my family’s future.”
Nasreen’s success highlights the impact of the HADP, which is designed to empower farmers through climate-smart technologies and financial support. Her greenhouse, one of the first high-tech units in the region, has become a model for others. Deputy Commissioner of Doda, Harvinder Singh, praised her efforts, stating, “Nasreen’s project exemplifies how innovation can uplift farmers in hilly areas. It’s a step toward a sustainable agricultural economy.”
Beyond her personal triumph, Nasreen’s story is one of empowerment and community upliftment. Her venture has created jobs for several local families, amplifying its impact. “This isn’t just about me,” she said. “It’s about showing others what’s possible and building a stronger community together.”
With the HADP aiming to create a Rs 100,000 crore agri-economy in Jammu and Kashmir, Nasreen’s high-tech poly greenhouse stands as a shining example of its potential. From her educational background to her hands-on innovation, she embodies the spirit of progress. As her crops thrive under the greenhouse’s protective roof, so does the promise of a sustainable, prosperous future for farmers across the region. Nasreen Akhter’s journey is more than a success story—it’s a powerful inspiration for all.