Umaisar Gull Ganie
Anantnag, Jul 01: Mohammad Aslam Khan, a progressive farmer from Cheki Isherdass area of Anantnag, has turned barren land into a flourishing watermelon farm, bringing prosperity not only to his own household but also to dozens in the village.
Khan’s journey began in 2008, when he started cultivating watermelons on a small trial plot. Over the years, his efforts bore fruit — quite literally — as he successfully introduced hybrid watermelons on a commercial scale, drawing admiration from across the region.
Talking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Khan said that he has been growing watermelons, alongside other fruits and vegetables, for more than a decade. “Last year, we cultivated watermelon on 81 kanals of land, including 16 kanals of my own. This year, the area under cultivation has expanded to 400 kanals, with 55 kanals being personally owned,” he said.
He credited the Agriculture Department for its consistent support and guidance, which he said played a vital role in enhancing both the scale and quality of production.
Khan said that his farm uses fully organic methods, and his produce now reaches not only markets across Kashmir but also as far as Ramban.
Beyond agriculture, the farm has become a hub of rural employment. “Many educated youth are now earning a decent livelihood through this venture,” Khan said, highlighting the broader social impact of his initiative.
In light of the ongoing irrigation crisis, Khan pointed out that watermelon cultivation uses significantly less water than paddy. “This is a great opportunity for farmers affected by the drought to consider alternatives,” he said.
Urging more young people to take up modern farming, he added, “If anyone needs seeds or guidance, I am always here to help.”—(KNO)
