Kulgam Man Inspires Youth with Thriving Nursery Business
Umaisar Gull Ganie
Kulgam, Dec 28: Mushtaq Ahmed Bhat, a resident of Qaimoh belt in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district, has achieved a significant milestone by leaving his government job to become a successful entrepreneur in the nursery business. Today, Bhat annually produces over two lakh fruit plants and creates employment opportunities for numerous young individuals.
Bhat’s nursery spans over 17 kanals and cultivates approximately 150 diverse fruit plant varieties, which are strategically marketed to customers across Kashmir.
Speaking about his venture, Bhat stated, “We have many plant nurseries in the area that produce around two lakh plants every season, including root stock and grafted plants. The nursery business in the Kashmir valley, especially in the horticulture sector, offers good margins.”
Having been in the nursery business for the past 35 years, Bhat has witnessed success and intends to expand his operations. He plans to utilize more land, aiming for a total of 300 kanals. Bhat appealed to the government for assistance in identifying better projects or schemes to generate further employment opportunities and produce high-quality fruit-bearing plants.
With nearly 150 varieties of plants in his nurseries, Bhat earns a decent livelihood and is proud of the quality trees his nursery produces.
Interestingly, Bhat was previously a government employee for six years. However, his passion and love for plants drove him to leave his job and pursue his entrepreneurial ambitions. Recognizing the positive impact his work has on the environment and society, Bhat encourages other aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly the youth, to take initiative and start their own businesses.
In a message to the youth, Bhat emphasized the importance of not remaining idle and assured them that starting a business can lead to a well-earned livelihood.
“Don’t sit idle at home, instead start any business, and you will be able to earn your livelihood very well,” Bhat urged.
(With Inputs from KNO)
