Italian Pears Turn Arid Kashmir Villages into Horticultural Pioneers

In a remarkable agricultural transformation, the villages of Bharova, Khalo, and Shanatra in Jammu and Kashmir's Bhaderwah are now thriving thanks to the successful cultivation of Italian pears. Having once struggled with poverty and frequent droughts, these communities have embraced horticulture, putting themselves on the map for economic renewal.

The shift began two decades ago with Haji Mohd Shafi Sheikh from Bharova village, who switched from traditional maize farming to horticulture on his drought-prone land. Inspired by orchard trees in Kashmir, and with support from local horticulture experts, Sheikh now produces 1.5 metric tons of Italian pears annually, earning Rs 25 lakhs as of 2025.

This initiative has not only transformed Sheikh's life, but also inspired the local workforce, offering employment and the hope of self-reliance. By embracing sustainable agriculture and innovative practices, Bhaderwah's farmers are living examples of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat's ideals. Meanwhile, local governance improvements reflect the government's wider commitment to rural development and housing for all.

(With inputs from agencies.)