Life has been anything but easy for Ruqia, a young graduate from Karihama village in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.
Recovering from a major lumbar spine surgery while simultaneously caring for her father, who underwent surgery for a tumour, she found herself battling both physical and emotional hardships.
However, instead of allowing adversity to define her future, Ruqia chose to carve out a new path through agripreneurship.
Today, a small room in her home, neatly stacked with bags of Dingri (oyster) mushrooms, stands as a symbol of her resilience, determination and unwavering spirit. With technical guidance and continuous support from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kupwara, she has successfully harvested her first mushroom crop, marking the beginning of what she hopes will be a sustainable entrepreneurial journey.
Ruqia’s journey began nearly a year ago when officials from KVK Kupwara identified her keen interest in agriculture-based entrepreneurship. Recognising her potential despite her difficult circumstances, the KVK team, led by its Head, Dr G M Bhat, provided her with doorstep training, scientific guidance and technical know-how on oyster mushroom cultivation.
With the necessary training and confidence, Ruqia established a small mushroom cultivation unit at her residence. Months of careful monitoring, patience and hard work eventually paid off as she harvested her first crop, turning a modest initiative into a promising source of livelihood.
For Ruqia, the harvest signifies much more than an economic opportunity. It represents a fresh start, renewed confidence and proof that determination can overcome even the most challenging circumstances.
Expressing gratitude, she thanked the Vice-Chancellor of SKUAST-Kashmir, the Director of Extension Education and the entire KVK Kupwara team for helping her become self-reliant.
“This initiative has not only helped my family financially but has also strengthened my resolve to become a successful entrepreneur,” Ruqia said.
She said the experience had encouraged her to explore more opportunities in agriculture and allied sectors.
“I have really enjoyed mushroom cultivation with the guidance of KVK Kupwara. Now I intend to take up the cultivation of other crops as well. I believe the government is always there to support us, but it is the youth who have to take the initiative and adopt agripreneurship because our future lies in agriculture,” she said.
Head of KVK Kupwara, Dr G M Bhat, described Ruqia’s achievement as an inspiring example for educated unemployed youth and women across the district.
“Ruqia’s success stands as a testament to the immense livelihood opportunities available in agriculture and allied sectors when scientific technologies are adopted. Her journey proves that with proper guidance, technical support and perseverance, even the most difficult circumstances can be transformed into opportunities,” he told Greater Kashmir.
Dr Bhat said KVK Kupwara has been consistently working to promote entrepreneurship among rural youth by providing scientific interventions, skill development and handholding support in various agricultural and allied activities.
He said success stories like Ruqia’s demonstrate that agriculture is no longer limited to traditional farming and can emerge as a viable avenue for employment and self-reliance for educated youth across Jammu and Kashmir.
