Pulwama, J & K : In an inspiring example of youth entrepreneurship and sustainable agriculture, Haroon Rashid Bhat, a Physics Honours graduate from Ladibal in Pulwama district, has established a vermi compost production unit, generating employment for local youth while promoting organic farming in Jammu & Kashmir.

The unit, set up around three to four months ago, is expected to produce its first batch of organic vermi compost within the next few days. Haroon said the initiative was inspired by an awareness programme conducted under the HEDP scheme, where he learned about the business potential of vermi compost production.

To establish the unit, he procured earthworms from Haryana, sourced cow dung locally, and began producing organic fertilizer. The venture has already created employment opportunities for four to five local youth engaged in the production process.

Appealing to farmers to adopt organic farming practices, Haroon said the excessive use of chemical fertilizers such as urea and DAP adversely affects soil fertility and may also impact human health. He said vermi compost enriches soil naturally, improves crop productivity, and helps produce healthier, chemical-free fruits and vegetables.

Haroon also highlighted the growing demand for vermi compost in Jammu & Kashmir, stating that nearly 97 percent of the requirement is currently met through supplies from other states, while only a small share is produced locally. With the rapid expansion of high-density apple orchards across the region, he said the demand for organic manure is expected to increase significantly in the coming years.

Encouraging unemployed youth to explore self-employment opportunities, Haroon urged them to take advantage of government schemes and seek technical guidance from the Agriculture Department.

He said entrepreneurship not only provides a sustainable source of income but also creates employment and contributes to the development of agriculture and the rural economy in Jammu & Kashmir.

(Reported By- Reshi Irshad)