• Dhaka Tue, 23 APRIL 2024,
logo
Artistic journey of Jahan Afroz Ruba
Artist Jahan Afroz Ruba is always immersed in the creation of a diverse collection of art. She excelled in painting, pottery and quilting with a career of three decades.    She is definitely an unavoidable name for those who follow sheer beauty in painting. Besides creative paintings she has been engaged in discovering varied forms of arts : those include pottery, quilting, jewelries etc.   Her quilts tell the story of life and sense of beauty as usual. She is a specialized artist in quilt medium. Her technique of creating quilts are quite different as we are familiar with of it in rural Bengal. These works were often refered to the category of craft, seldom transcending to the level of fine art. However, quilting (and other forms of fiber art) are increasingly accepted in fine art circles.  As we know quilting is a method of stitching layers of material together. Although there are some variations, a quilt usually means a bed cover made of two layers of fabric with a layer of padding in between, held together by lines of stitching. She is a prolific ceramist too. Ceramic art is an art made from ceramic materials, including clay. It may take varied forms, including artistic pottery, tableware, tiles, figurines and other sculpture works. As one of the popular arts, ceramic art is also a visual art. Her artistic pottery will surely grab your attention.  She is going to showcase her art-world to the art loving people of Dhaka on March 1 at the gallery of Shilpakala Academy. The exposition will be open till March 7, everyday.   
23 Feb 2024,09:57

'Join our journey of becoming a trillion-dollar economy'
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday invited South African entrepreneurs to make investments in Bangladesh that seeks to become a trillion-dollar economy and a fully developed smart nation by 2041. “Bangladesh progresses toward prosperity. We want you to join our journey of development. Do invest in Bangladesh; we are confident that your investment will be primed for success, and we are fully prepared for a sustainable partnership,” she said. Reports UNB The prime minister was speaking at the Bangladesh Trade & Business Summit in South Africa jointly organised by Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) at the Radisson Blu Hotel and Convention Center. “I have a dream; the 170 million people of Bangladesh have a dream. And that is to become a trillion-dollar economy and a fully developed smart nation by 2041,” she added. Hasina assured that investment in Bangladesh is secure due to consistently high returns. “Moreover, our government ensures a business-friendly and stable atmosphere that guarantees your investment’s success," said the PM. She confidently stated that Bangladesh promises a secure and prosperous future for global investors. Currently, she mentioned, Bangladesh has the most open Foreign Direct Investment policies in South Asia which include a liberalised industrial policy, one-stop service, an allowance for 100 per cent foreign ownership, an easy exit policy, a 15-year tax exemption, a VAT exemption for imported machinery, streamlined services, and more. Source: UNB
23 Aug 2023,16:07

Kashmiri doctor sets records and inspires youth through her unique artistic journey
In a remarkable display of talent and dedication, Tabish Aijaz Khan, an accomplished MBBS doctor from the Iqbal Abad area of Anantnag district, in south Kashmir, has been making waves in the art world. Alongside her medical profession, Tabish has carved a niche for herself as a self-taught artist with a penchant for transforming unconventional materials into breathtaking masterpieces. Tabish's artistic journey began during her childhood, where she found solace and joy in creating art pieces on waste materials such as Chinar leaves, feathers, stones, and discarded items. Her belief that nothing is useless drove her to turn these materials into beautiful artworks, defying conventional norms of painting. Gradually, her hobby evolved into a passion, and in 2016, she decided to share her unique creations on social media during the turbulent Kashmir Unrest. To her surprise, Tabish's art received overwhelming appreciation and support from the community, motivating her to delve deeper into her passion. Despite the challenges posed by communication blockades and limited platforms for artists in the region, she managed to excel in every art competition she participated in, although her ongoing medical education prevented her from taking part in significant events. Tabish's ability to balance her medical profession with her passion for art is a testament to her dedication and perseverance. Painting serves as a stress reliever for her during intense study sessions, reinforcing her belief in the power of art to soothe the mind and soul. Her exceptional talent and creativity have not gone unnoticed. Tabish has been recognized with various prestigious awards, including the Women Empowerment Award presented by DC Anantnag on Women's Day in 2021, the Kashmir Icon Excellence Award, and accolades from India Book of Records, Asia Book of Records, and the IWR Foundation Award. Speaking about her journey, Tabish expressed her determination to continue pursuing her passion under all circumstances. She attributes her success to her unwavering family support, especially from her father, who has been a constant source of motivation. Tabish's story serves as an inspiration to the youth, particularly in Kashmir, encouraging them to pursue their passions and have faith in their abilities. She believes that empowering oneself through meaningful pursuits is more rewarding than wasting time on futile exercises. As she continues her career as a doctor, Tabish Khan's innovative approach to art and her ability to turn waste materials into awe-inspiring artworks stand as a testament to her infinite capacity for creativity. Her achievements and dedication emphasize the importance of hard work and self-confidence in achieving success. Tabish Khan's story echoes the sentiment of Leonardo da Vinci's famous words, "Art is the queen of all sciences, communicating knowledge to all the generations of the world." She has combined her medical expertise with the language of art, breaking barriers and creating an impact that transcends boundaries.
09 Aug 2023,15:58

Kashmiri doctor sets records and inspires youth through her unique artistic journey
In a remarkable display of talent and dedication, Tabish Aijaz Khan, an accomplished MBBS doctor from the Iqbal Abad area of Anantnag district, in south Kashmir, has been making waves in the art world. Alongside her medical profession, Tabish has carved a niche for herself as a self-taught artist with a penchant for transforming unconventional materials into breathtaking masterpieces. Tabish's artistic journey began during her childhood, where she found solace and joy in creating art pieces on waste materials such as Chinar leaves, feathers, stones, and discarded items. Her belief that nothing is useless drove her to turn these materials into beautiful artworks, defying conventional norms of painting. Gradually, her hobby evolved into a passion, and in 2016, she decided to share her unique creations on social media during the turbulent Kashmir Unrest. To her surprise, Tabish's art received overwhelming appreciation and support from the community, motivating her to delve deeper into her passion. Despite the challenges posed by communication blockades and limited platforms for artists in the region, she managed to excel in every art competition she participated in, although her ongoing medical education prevented her from taking part in significant events. Tabish's ability to balance her medical profession with her passion for art is a testament to her dedication and perseverance. Painting serves as a stress reliever for her during intense study sessions, reinforcing her belief in the power of art to soothe the mind and soul. Her exceptional talent and creativity have not gone unnoticed. Tabish has been recognized with various prestigious awards, including the Women Empowerment Award presented by DC Anantnag on Women's Day in 2021, the Kashmir Icon Excellence Award, and accolades from India Book of Records, Asia Book of Records, and the IWR Foundation Award. Speaking about her journey, Tabish expressed her determination to continue pursuing her passion under all circumstances. She attributes her success to her unwavering family support, especially from her father, who has been a constant source of motivation. Tabish's story serves as an inspiration to the youth, particularly in Kashmir, encouraging them to pursue their passions and have faith in their abilities. She believes that empowering oneself through meaningful pursuits is more rewarding than wasting time on futile exercises. As she continues her career as a doctor, Tabish Khan's innovative approach to art and her ability to turn waste materials into awe-inspiring artworks stand as a testament to her infinite capacity for creativity. Her achievements and dedication emphasize the importance of hard work and self-confidence in achieving success. Tabish Khan's story echoes the sentiment of Leonardo da Vinci's famous words, "Art is the queen of all sciences, communicating knowledge to all the generations of the world." She has combined her medical expertise with the language of art, breaking barriers and creating an impact that transcends boundaries.
09 Aug 2023,15:58

Kashmiri doctor sets records and inspires youth through her unique artistic journey
In a remarkable display of talent and dedication, Tabish Aijaz Khan, an accomplished MBBS doctor from the Iqbal Abad area of Anantnag district, in south Kashmir, has been making waves in the art world. Alongside her medical profession, Tabish has carved a niche for herself as a self-taught artist with a penchant for transforming unconventional materials into breathtaking masterpieces. Tabish's artistic journey began during her childhood, where she found solace and joy in creating art pieces on waste materials such as Chinar leaves, feathers, stones, and discarded items. Her belief that nothing is useless drove her to turn these materials into beautiful artworks, defying conventional norms of painting. Gradually, her hobby evolved into a passion, and in 2016, she decided to share her unique creations on social media during the turbulent Kashmir Unrest. To her surprise, Tabish's art received overwhelming appreciation and support from the community, motivating her to delve deeper into her passion. Despite the challenges posed by communication blockades and limited platforms for artists in the region, she managed to excel in every art competition she participated in, although her ongoing medical education prevented her from taking part in significant events. Tabish's ability to balance her medical profession with her passion for art is a testament to her dedication and perseverance. Painting serves as a stress reliever for her during intense study sessions, reinforcing her belief in the power of art to soothe the mind and soul. Her exceptional talent and creativity have not gone unnoticed. Tabish has been recognized with various prestigious awards, including the Women Empowerment Award presented by DC Anantnag on Women's Day in 2021, the Kashmir Icon Excellence Award, and accolades from India Book of Records, Asia Book of Records, and the IWR Foundation Award. Speaking about her journey, Tabish expressed her determination to continue pursuing her passion under all circumstances. She attributes her success to her unwavering family support, especially from her father, who has been a constant source of motivation. Tabish's story serves as an inspiration to the youth, particularly in Kashmir, encouraging them to pursue their passions and have faith in their abilities. She believes that empowering oneself through meaningful pursuits is more rewarding than wasting time on futile exercises. As she continues her career as a doctor, Tabish Khan's innovative approach to art and her ability to turn waste materials into awe-inspiring artworks stand as a testament to her infinite capacity for creativity. Her achievements and dedication emphasize the importance of hard work and self-confidence in achieving success. Tabish Khan's story echoes the sentiment of Leonardo da Vinci's famous words, "Art is the queen of all sciences, communicating knowledge to all the generations of the world." She has combined her medical expertise with the language of art, breaking barriers and creating an impact that transcends boundaries.
09 Aug 2023,15:58

From deficit to surplus, India's spectacular milk production journey
In India, milk is more than just a drink, a staple that never goes out of style. Consumed hot and cold and in all seasons.  The country's favourite refreshment and source of nourishment, milk is a dietary delight for Indians across the country. From individuals producing their own milk to mega dairy cooperative brands catering to the calcium cravings of hundreds of millions of Indians, the Indian milk industry has emerged as 'the biggest' and 'the best' in the world. CEO of Lakshya Food India LTD, Ankit Redhu, from Jind, has prioritised profitability and aims to create more job opportunities on the back of innovative methods used to enhance milk-production">milk production in the country. There are many individuals like him who have revolutionised the operational landscape of the Indian milk industry, leading to its current status as the best in the world.  As per the sources, India's milk-production">milk production today surpasses that of the United States by 50 per cent and is three times greater than that of China. Formerly a milk-deficient country that would produce a little over 55 million tonnes of milk during a fiscal year in the 90s, India is now home to 23 per cent of global milk-production">milk production.  Multiple factors including innovation, robust research, technological advancements and government support have enabled India to optimise its milk-production">milk production. Director of Sumul Dairy in Surat, Jayesh Patel, tells about the Journey of the Dairy which started with just 200 litres of milk and is now processing 22 lakh litres (2.2 million) of milk every day.  "It has benefitted all, especially the tribal people and as many as 250,000 women who are associated with us. It is because of this that today we are able to supply milk from Kolhapur in Maharashtra and to Goa," Patel said. Surat-based Shakuntala Ben, a small dairy farmer is a living example of the empowerment of women in India's dairy industry. Shakuntala, who has six cattle, has successfully established her business and is contributing to the larger picture of India's milk industry. The government, cooperative societies and milk processing units in the country are encouraging dairy farmers by providing easy loans, high milk-producing cow breeds and other technical assistance.  As per the sources, India, which produced 116 million tonnes of milk just a decade ago, has almost doubled its production capacity, producing 221.1 million Tonnes of milk in 2021-22. "If the dairy industry of any country is contributing this big to its GDP then it is the Indian dairy industry, which is contributing 10 lakh crore to India's GDP. Dairy has contributed majorly to the Indian economy," said Union Home Minister Amit Shah. India, a country that produced 210 MT of milk in 2020-21 now has set its eyes on surpassing its own record by implementing the National Action Plan for Dairy Development. The plan aims to achieve a milk-production target of 300 million tonnes by 2023-24. It also aims to enhance the per capita milk availability from 444 grams per day in 2022 to 592 grams per day by 2023-24. The action plan is the result of great government efforts coupled with the high ambitions of the individuals and industry players that have kept the Indian milk industry thriving.  The milk consumption levels of the country have witnessed a substantial rise from 214 grams per day in 2000 to almost double to 427 grams per day. The harmonious cooperation and healthy competition between various stakeholders along with effective policy formation at the centre has resulted in India achieving the current standing of 'the best' in the global dairy market.
03 Jul 2023,22:34

Punjab’s Living History: A Cinematic Journey through Attari Junction
Embodying a key chapter of history, a potential Independence Day release is in the works for a movie on Attari Junction. The station of Attari, during the era of Partition, stood as the final threshold for those bidding adieu to their homes in search of new ones. It was this station that witnessed the chilling sight of ‘ghost trains,’ bearing corpses across its tracks. The station, with its 161-year history, once more came into spotlight in the 2000s with the resurrection of the Samjhauta Express between India and Pakistan, a 3km journey from the Attari station to Wagah, Lahore, completed within 30 minutes. Today, the once bustling station stands mostly deserted, occasionally housing a goods train or two or abandoned ones. Harpreet Sandhu, an artist known for documenting heritage structures and institutions, is on a mission to spotlight the history and legacy of the 161-year-old Attari station, now renamed as the Attari Sham Singh Railway Station in honor of the esteemed Sikh general. The initiation of the documentary film, “Attari Junction – A 161-year-old Historic Railway Station”, took place at the station, with Deputy Commissioner Amit Talwar and MP Gurjeet Aujla unveiling the inaugural shot. Sandhu has previously brought the rich heritage of places like Khalsa College to life through books and short films. In this documentary, he aims to underline the historic architectural elements of the Attari railway station, an amalgamation of Indo-Islamic and Victorian styles. Sandhu states, “The station’s architectural grandeur and elegance from days gone by, its arches and elaborate facades, have rarely been highlighted in heritage documentaries. The film will also trace the station’s journey through the shifting sands of Punjab’s history.” Under the guidance of the Sewa Sankalp Society, the film’s direction is being led by Sandhu. The screenplay is penned by Atul Tirkey, IRS, Deputy Commissioner Customs, Attari, with celebrated poet and Padma Shri awardee Dr. Surjit Patar having crafted the lyrics. Sandhu notes that apart from the older populace, many locals are unaware of this rarely visited, culturally significant railway station that links the two nations. It sits at the very edge of the Indo-Pak border. “The film will highlight the intriguing history behind the final gate that led to Pakistan. Now locked, this gate symbolizes the hope of reviving the link between the people of the two countries,” he added. With all required permissions for filming obtained from the Northern Railway, Land Customs, Attari, and BSF Frontier, the documentary’s screenplay was finished six months prior. Sandhu revealed plans to release the film in August, close to India’s Independence Day, thereby highlighting the necessity of such films to underscore Punjab’s vibrant culture, heritage, and history. Source: khalsavox.com
19 Jun 2023,15:32

Carved in Stone, Painted in Time: The Journey of Buddhist Art in India and Its Role in Spiritual Growth
The vast and diverse landscape of India has long been a fertile ground for artistic expression, with its rich history and cultural heritage providing a tapestry of influences. Buddhist art in India, which has left an indelible mark on the artistic traditions of Asia and beyond, is no exception. As we delve into the roots of Buddhist art in India, we discover how this ancient art form has shaped and enriched the practice of Buddhism itself. It is important to first understand the context in which Buddhist art emerged. Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, or the Buddha, in the 5th century BCE in what is now modern-day India and Nepal. The Buddha’s teachings emphasized personal enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. As Buddhism spread throughout India, the need for visual representations of the Buddha and his teachings arose, culminating in the development of a unique artistic language. One of the earliest examples of Buddhist art in India is found in the form of rock-cut cave temples, such as those at Ajanta and Ellora in Maharashtra. These caves, some dating back to the 2nd century BCE, showcase the diverse artistic styles and iconography that would come to define Buddhist art. The intricately carved sculptures and vivid frescoes depict scenes from the Buddha’s life and Jataka tales, which are stories of his previous lives. As Buddhism evolved, so too did its artistic expressions. The emergence of the Mahayana tradition in the 1st century CE saw the development of the Bodhisattva ideal, which held that an enlightened being could choose to postpone their own liberation in order to help others achieve enlightenment. This shift in focus resulted in the creation of new iconography, with Bodhisattvas and other celestial beings featuring prominently in the art of this period. The Gupta period (4th-6th century CE) is often hailed as the “Golden Age” of Indian art, and it was during this time that the iconic image of the Buddha that we recognize today was solidified. Gupta-era artists emphasized the spiritual qualities of the Buddha through subtle, refined forms and serene facial expressions. The Mathura and Sarnath schools of art were particularly influential in this regard. The importance of Buddhist art for the religion itself cannot be overstated. Art has played a crucial role in the dissemination of Buddhist teachings, making complex philosophical concepts accessible to a wide audience. The visual language developed by Buddhist artists served not only as a means of storytelling but also as an aid for meditation and contemplation. For instance, intricate mandalas and thangkas, traditional Tibetan Buddhist paintings, have long been used as focal points for meditation, helping practitioners to visualize complex cosmologies and deities. Furthermore, the creation of Buddhist art has often been considered a form of spiritual practice in and of itself. Artists and patrons alike would commission and create works of art as acts of devotion, believing that their efforts would generate merit and bring them closer to enlightenment. This tradition continues to this day, with contemporary Buddhist art still holding a vital place in the spiritual lives of practitioners. The roots of Buddhist art in India can be traced back to the early centuries of Buddhism, with its development closely intertwined with the evolution of the religion itself. As Buddhism continues to flourish, so too does its art, acting as both a means of spiritual expression and a window into the rich cultural heritage of the Indian subcontinent. Source: The Bhutan Live
06 Apr 2023,20:46

'Bangabandhu's 7th March speech expedite journey of development'
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that ‘Joy Bangla’ slogan and the 7th March speech of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman will expedite the journey of development. "I believe that 'Joy Bangla' slogan and the 7th March speech of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman will expedite the journey of development," she said in a message issued on the occasion of the historic March 7 speech of Bangabandhu. Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh is the role model of development recognized by the world due to the government's initiatives.  "We have established digital Bangladesh. We will transform the country into a smart Bangladesh by 2041," she said. She said after the AL took charge of the country in 1996, it repealed the Immunity Ordinance proclaimed by the murderers - Mustaq-Zia and started trial for killing of the Father of the Nation. "Subsequently, we have formed governments three consecutive times since 2009 and devoted ourselves to the overall development of the country in the spirit of Bangabandhu. We have established the rule of law in the country by enforcing the verdict of Bangabandhu killing; as a result, the nation freed from stigma," Sheikh Hasina said. She said the historic March 7 speech was recognised by UNESCO as a "World Heritage Document" on October 30, 2017. Not only that, she said, UNESCO thinks that Bangabandhu had declared the independence of Bangladesh indirectly through this speech. The Primer said the worldwide recognition of the historic March 7 speech of the Father of the Nation is a rare honour and pride for the Bangalee nation. "Today is an unforgettable day in the life of the Bangalee nation. On this day in 1971, the undisputed leader of the Bangalee nation, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, delivered an 18-minute fiery speech standing on the historic Racecourse Maidan, now known as Shaheed Suhrawardy Udyan," Sheikh Hasina said. Terming Bangabandhu and Bangladesh synonymous, the premier said the Father of the Nation fought against the Pakistanis for long 24 years, while tolerated imprisonment and oppression and led all the movements for realising the just rights of the people of East Bengal and establishing an independent state on the world map. She said Bangabandhu was the only strongest voice among the exploited and deprived Bangalees in the last thousand years. Under his leadership, the Awami League achieved majority in the 70’ elections, she said, adding, "However, the Pakistanis started making excuses without handing over the responsibility of running the country to the AL". Involving the people from all walks of life in Bangladesh, Bangabandhu called for a non-cooperation movement against the Pakistani rulers, Sheikh Hasina said. She said: "In his speech on March 7 in 1971, he uttered an immortal message of freedom and showed us the path to freedom from struggle". Till March 25, every person in the country ignored the rule of Yahya Khan and followed the instructions of Sheikh Mujib properly, the prime minister said. "The Pakistani ruler arrested him (Bangabandhu) on that night. He officially declared independence before his arrest," she said. Unfortunately, Sheikh Hasina said, by assassinating Bangabandhu and most of his family members on August 15 in 1975, the local allies of the defeated enemies of '71 avenged their defeat.
07 Mar 2023,15:07

Insha's journey to becoming the change she wished to see
The idea of leaving a prestigious career overseas to pursue a vague dream may sound daunting to most, but for Insha Rasool, the 33-year-old resident of the Budgam region of Kashmir, its a life decision she has never regretted. The PhD scholar was pursuing her education in molecular cell signaling from the Pohang University of Science and Technology, when she was awed by beautiful strawberry farms while on a school field trip with her children in South Korea. "Why can't our Kashmir have such mesmerizing farms as they have here?" Rasool's rhetoric question to her husband was met with a surprisingly warm response of, "Well, why don't you start one?" Everything since that statement of support, is history. Rasool and her husband returned to their homeland with nothing but a passion for farming. With the added desire to make her farming practice healthy and ethical, Rasool nurtured her brainchild HomeGreens, an organic farm brand, from the ground up over the course of 4 years. As a scientist, it took Rasool 3.5 acres of ancestral land, months of research and experimentation, more failures than success and endless hard work to finally see her dream of organic farming come to fruition. Up until 2019, before the bifurcation and subsequent transformation of the state of Jammu and Kashmir into a Union Territory, the region was left largely untouched by mass-scale industrialization. In these circumstances, agriculture played the predominant role in providing livelihood to approximately 70 per cent of the population in the territory, whether directly or indirectly, and till date contributes a majority share of 65 per cent to the union territory's revenue. Notably, despite agricultural land in the region shrinking in size, the contribution of farming and agriculture to the gross state domestic product (GSDP) has remained stable. Since 2019, Rasool's home-grown brand has flourished under her dedicated guidance and determination; Rasool's story is just one of many which exhibits the spirit of resilience and passion that exists in the Indian state of Kashmir. The government's commitment to foster the lucrative zeal of its people, and aid in their primary sources of income have served a crucial role to take these individual initiatives to the next level. The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, in his address at the first Zonal Convention on Natural Farming at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology stated that the UT is "giving major impetus to natural and organic farming", stressing on these ethical farming practices as a strong tool for battling the issues of climate change and soil degradation. Previously, in the month of February, the summer capital of Srinagar saw the inauguration of a workshop for "Organic Farming and its Marketing", organized by the Directorate of Agriculture Kashmir in collaboration with INVEST INDIA, National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency. In the past decade, farmers in the UT have made large advances in adopting organic practices, with assistance from the agricultural department of the Union Territory. Agriculture being the major source of income for the population of the UT, there has been growing concern regarding the depleting soil health and worsening Environmental Sustainability Index of the region; such concerns have been met with appropriate countermeasures by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare with the gradual yet steady introduction and switch-over to organic farming. Young entrepreneurs like Rasool aren't limited to their own development, but are also invested in the development of the farmer community as a whole too. The female agripreneur tends to collaborate with other local farmers at prices higher than the going market-rate. In recent times, local farmers in the region enjoy immense support and encouragement from the authorities to go natural and to capitalize on their crops. The Agricultural production department, in October 2020, set up the first ‘Organic Vegetable Sale Centre' in Srinagar. These centres aim at producing better returns for farmers, as well as employment for the young entrepreneurs; plans are also underfoot to introduce these markets at district level for wider reach, and a view to move forward with the masses. The department not only has an aim to bring about an efficient paradigm shift in the area of agriculture, but also a vision to double the farmer's income by the end of the current year. Their hope of shaping agriculture into entrepreneurship is also being realized in the region. With various schemes for the farmer's growth in place, success stories from all over the region of Jammu and Kashmir have been pouring in over the last couple of years, as organic farmers earn enviable amounts of money per crop cycle. While Rasool is an example of the innovation young minds are bringing to the UT, the government has been pushing for the local farmers to similarly capitalize on these sustainable, eco-friendly and efficient methods of cultivation. Given that the area presents immense potential for organic farming, work has been underway to develop a systematic approach to plan and develop the region for best use; organic farming could very well be the leading mechanism for a second green revolution in the hilly region of Jammu and Kashmir. Various government schemes, such as the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture, Agriculture Technology Management Agency and the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana have also been deployed for the welfare of the farming community. The Prime Minister Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme of "One District One Product" is providing subsidies to entrepreneurs, while each district will undertake particular crops which its best suited for. To introduce better awareness amongst farmers to enable innovation and development, universities in the region have implemented training programs to better aid the people. According to the IMARC Group's forecast report, the Indian organic food market is estimated to grow exponentially, by 25.25% between 2022-2027. With such an increase in demand, the organic farming industry in the Kashmir valley isn't just catering to populations at home anymore, but is also becoming an export hub for agriculture goods. The trade and export policy (2018-2028) coupled with government initiatives have helped Jammu and Kashmir create its own name in the international market. Despite the limitations that arose during the coronavirus pandemic, the UT has achieved a staggering growth of round 55% in exports, of which a majority is agricultural products. With the region's economy depending largely on agriculture and tourism, the two sectors are being heavily bankrolled by the government. Given the record-breaking number of tourists that the UT received in the first few months of this year alone, agri-tourism is being seen as a game changer for the economic development of the region of Jammu and Kashmir, as authorities nudge its population of younger, educated farmers to explore more opportunities in this sector. Source: Lans
28 Aug 2022,18:10
  • Latest
  • Most Viewed