KULGAM: In line with the mission to transform the agricultural landscape by promoting high-tech and adaptive farming practices, District Development Commissioner (DDC) Kulgam, Athar Aamir Khan, today interacted with Qayoom Ahmad Allie, a progressive farmer from Wanigund village, to acknowledge and encourage his achievements under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP).

Qayoom Ahmad Allie has successfully transitioned from traditional farming methods to climate-smart, high-value agriculture by adopting scientific techniques and leveraging structured support provided under HADP. His efforts have earned him recognition as a lead farmer in his community.

Under HADP, Qayoom received various interventions aimed at enhancing productivity and sustainability:

He was sanctioned a Low-Tech Poly Greenhouse (PG House) under the Protected Cultivation Initiative, enabling the cultivation of high-value crops such as capsicum, cucumber, and leafy greens in controlled conditions. This intervention protected crops from unseasonal rains, frost, and pests, resulting in a yield increase of up to four times for certain crops.

He also received financial assistance for nursery development under the Area Expansion of Niche Crops component for raising planting material of Kashmiri Lal Chilli. This led to the production of robust seedlings with early transplanting vigour, shortening the crop maturity period and improving overall productivity.

Additionally, under the Open Field Vegetable Production scheme, Qayoom was provided with certified hybrid seeds. By adopting improved agronomic practices such as line sowing, ridge and furrow layout, and nutrient management based on soil health card recommendations, he successfully cultivated cauliflower, knol khol, and brinjal.

As a result of these interventions, Qayoom achieved significant yield enhancement ranging from 35% to 50% especially in protected cultivation. His annual income has also seen considerable growth due to the cultivation of high-value crops, nursery sales, and an extended growing season.

During the interaction, DDC encouraged other farmers to adopt modern, technology-driven farming practices and make optimal use of government-run schemes like HADP to enhance agricultural growth, resilience, and sustainability in the region.

Qayoom Ahmad Allie's success under the HADP stands as a model of transformation and reinforces the department's vision to empower farmers through innovation, capacity-building, and market-oriented agriculture.