Kupwara, July 3 (JKNS): A 24-year-old BBA graduate from Bramri in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district is redefining the idea of success not through a corporate job, but by getting her hands into the soil. Nicknamed the “Garlic Girl of Kupwara,” Humaira is now emerging as a symbol of hope and innovation in the region’s agriculture sector.
Speaking to news agency JKNS, Humaira said she initially pursued business administration but was later drawn to farming through training programs offered by SKUAST-K’s Directorate of Extension. “We attended some early sessions but saw that those who had no background in farming were being appreciated. That pushed me to prove myself in my own way,” she recalled.
Determined to take charge of her own path, Humaira applied for a mushroom unit through the Agriculture Department. She started with 100 mushroom bags but faced immediate setbacks.
“My first year was a complete loss, but I didn’t give up. I re-evaluated my mistakes, trained again and Alhamdulillah, I was able to recover and even grow nurseries from the same unit,” she said.
Choosing garlic cultivation a largely ignored sector was a bold decision. “No one from my family or friend circle ever thought of farming garlic. That’s exactly why I chose it. I wanted to do something different and meaningful,” she said.
Her success story, however, is not one of isolation. Humaira credits the Directorate of Extension at SKUAST-K, especially Dr. Farah, for supporting and mentoring her. “Dr. Farah was more than a trainer, she treated us like family, constantly encouraging me with new ideas and guiding me to think like an entrepreneur,” Humaira told JKNS.
With the help of government support, training, and sheer willpower, Humaira is now a beacon of inspiration for Kashmir’s youth. “Agriculture can be a powerful career if approached with passion and planning. I want more girls to join this movement,” she said. (JKNS)
