Bandipora: In a compelling story of grit and innovation, a woman from north Kashmir’s Bandipora district has turned personal tragedy into triumph by transforming the rooftop of her home into a thriving mushroom and vegetable farm.
Thirty-five-year-old Asiya Akbar of Nussu village, once battling loss and hardship, now earns between Rs 30,000 and Rs 40,000 per month from her rooftop enterprise, inspiring women across the Valley to explore sustainable and independent livelihoods.
Asiya’s struggles began early after losing her husband just a few years into marriage, leaving her to raise two children alone. Her challenges intensified in 2019 when a devastating fire destroyed her home. With limited resources and no land to cultivate, she used her rooftop to start small-scale organic farming, relying on locally available materials and self-taught techniques.
Her determination soon bore fruit as her rooftop farm began producing fresh mushrooms and vegetables that now reach markets in Srinagar, Ganderbal, Kupwara, and Baramulla. Her innovation and resilience recently earned her national recognition when the Indian Army honoured her in Udhampur for her contribution to sustainable agriculture and women empowerment.
Asiya said her interest in mushroom cultivation began during a visit to Kupwara with the Territorial Army five years ago. “That’s when I first learned about mushroom farming,” she recalled. “With encouragement from my community and support from the Agriculture Department, I started small and stayed consistent.”
She believes rooftop farming can empower many Kashmiri women struggling with unemployment. “Government jobs are limited, but farming from home requires minimal investment and gives a sense of independence,” she said.
Looking ahead, Asiya plans to establish a cooperative network to train women in rooftop cultivation and sustainable practices. “Even a small rooftop can become a source of income,” she added with pride.
From rebuilding her life after tragedy to empowering others, Asiya Akbar’s journey stands as a shining example of hope and determination sprouting from the most unexpected places. [KNT]
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