India: Terrace Farming Gains popularity in Shopian, Kashmir
“It not only saves farmers’ time but also envelops their dwellings with lush greenery”
By Gulzar Bhat
Greater Kashmir
July 4, 2022
Excerpt:
Unlike other farmers in her locality, Mehbooba does not go to her farm to cultivate vegetables. Instead, she climbs a few flights leading to her rooftop.
Mehbooba (40), a resident of placid Maldera village in south Kashmir’s Shopian district, has taken to terrace farming a couple of years ago. Her rooftop spreading around 1200 sq. ft is dotted with multiple poly bags and plastic cases holding different types of vegetables.
Mehbooba grows both conventional and exotic varieties of vegetables, which not only provide enough for her family but also supplement her family’s income.
“I cultivate several conventional and exotic varieties of vegetables including calabash, brinjal, cabbage, cherry tomatoes and broccoli,” says Mehbooba.
The vegetables, according to Mehbooba, fetches her Rs 70,000 to 1,00,000 annually.
“I have not bought any vegetables from the market ever since I took to terrace farming,” she said.
Besides technical guidance, Mehbooba was provided subsidy on seeds and grow bags by the Department of Agriculture.
