The Department of Agriculture in Baramulla district, north Kashmir, is leading an initiative to empower youth through innovative agricultural ventures, offering a solution to limited job opportunities in the region.
A prime example of this success is Aamir Gani Lone, a resident of Khadinayar in Baramulla. After facing stagnant job prospects post-graduation, Aamir’s fortunes took a positive turn in 2023 when he partnered with the Agriculture Department. This collaboration allowed him to establish a cutting-edge high-tech greenhouse, breathing life into his aspirations.
The Deputy Commissioner’s Office showcased Aamir’s journey on Twitter with the hashtag #YouthEmpowermentJK. “Aamir, in collaboration with the agriculture department, established a high-tech greenhouse and 20 bee colonies, propelling his economic prospects,” they shared.
Aamir expressed gratitude to the Agriculture Department for his remarkable success. He had faced challenges with inconsistent earnings from various endeavors and hesitated with costly business ventures like poultry or cattle farming. However, a Facebook announcement about the agriculture department’s support for agribusiness and high-tech greenhouses caught his eye, leading him to seize the opportunity.
Since January 2023, Aamir’s greenhouse has yielded an impressive 70,000 plants across various seedling varieties. The greenhouse also produced substantial yields of tomatoes and knolkhol, contributing to his earnings. Aamir attributed his success to unwavering dedication and determination, emphasizing that the right mindset is key.
Financial gains quickly followed his efforts, as Aamir earned 1 lakh 16 thousand rupees within a month from the sale of 70,000 seedlings. He found customers drawn to his unit, even exceeding his own expectations by offering produce at reasonable rates.
In addition to the greenhouse, Aamir ventured into beekeeping, maintaining 20 bee colonies with aspirations for future growth. He credited the Agriculture Department in Baramulla for their steadfast support and timely guidance, playing a pivotal role in his achievements.
With a significant portion of land dedicated to his high-tech venture, Aamir aptly named his enterprise “Lone Hi Tech Khadinayar,” signifying his commitment to modernizing agricultural practices while promoting local growth.
