Kupwara, Jun 14: Like other parts of Kashmir, paddy cultivation is currently underway in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district with the crop being cultivated on 16,000 hectares of land across the district. Thousands of families are directly involved in agricultural activities who are anticipating a successful harvest at the end of the year. Planting of paddy saplings starts in May and lasts upto ending June but in plains the process extends upto the first week of July.
Paddy cultivation remains the backbone of agriculture in the lush valleys of Kupwara, where the changing seasons bring forth a spectacle of vibrant landscapes. As the fields come to life, one might ponder the variety of paddy saplings adorning this picturesque region.
Paddy sowing was done earlier on community basis. People would happily join each other and plant paddy in their fields but in the recent years, a noticeable transformation has taken place in the realm of paddy cultivation, with skilled outsiders increasingly sought after for their expertise in the field. This shift reflects the evolving agricultural dynamics of Kupwara. Sowing of paddy saplings not only generate livelihood for local labourers but for non-locals as well. A non-local from West Bengal said that he along with his colleagues purposefully come to Kashmir for paddy sowing. “We charge Rs 750 per kanal for planting paddy saplings and at an average we sow saplings in around thirty kanals every day,” he added.
AbidMaqbool, a local in Langate area of the district said that they prefer non-local labourers over local because of their efficiency and love for work. While talking to Greater Kashmir, a senior Agriculture Officer shed light on the vast expanse of paddy cultivation, covering approximately 16,000 hectares of land across Kupwara. He highlighted the preference for the SR4 variety in the plains, while the higher altitudes favor the SR5 variety, cultivated with unwavering passion and commitment. “Furthermore, the cultivation of red rice in Karnah, Tumina, and Chowkibal emerges as a lucrative endeavor for local farmers, fetching a handsome price of Rs 6000 per quintal in the market,” he added.
