Excelsior Correspondent
POONCH, Nov 1: A progressive farmer Mohd Farooq Panchayat Sathra in Poonch today achieved remarkable success in beekeeping and organic farming under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP).
According to Chief Agriculture Officer Poonch, Yograj Singh Slathia, Farooq established his apiculture unit in 2023 with technical support from the Agriculture Department. The project cost Rs 1.40 lakh, of which Rs 1.12 lakh was provided as Government subsidy, while the farmer contributed Rs 0.28 lakh.
Starting with 35 bee boxes, Farooq has expanded to 46 boxes and earned Rs 1.40 lakh through honey production in a short period.
His success, officials said, proves that small-scale apiculture can deliver significant profits when backed by scientific guidance and Government schemes.
A team from the Agriculture Department today visited the unit and praised Farooq’s dedication.
The officials described him as a “Progressive Farmer” and urged local youth to explore similar sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Apart from beekeeping, Farooq has also adopted vermicomposting under the Cluster Organic Farming initiative. His unit is producing high-quality organic manure, enhancing soil fertility, improving moisture retention and reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers, thereby promoting eco-friendly farming practices in the region.
“Beekeeping and organic composting are empowering our farmers, creating employment, and improving soil health in rural areas,” a field officer said during the visit.
The success story of Mohd Farooq demonstrates how HADP is transforming traditional agriculture into profitable, sustainable ventures across Jammu & Kashmir, motivating more farmers to pursue self-reliant and environment-friendly farming in the hilly district of Poonch.
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