Bugam Village in Kashmir Achieves Bumper Vegetable Production

Bugam Village in Kashmir, Known as 'Little Punjab,' Achieves Bumper Vegetable Production The history of Bugam village in the Budgam district of central Kashmir is characterized by significant vegetable cultivation, earning it the moniker "Little Punjab." The agricultural tradition of Bugam has been passed down through generations, deeply ingrained in the village's identity. This village follows an age-old tradition of cultivating various types of vegetables, whether it's potatoes, cauliflower, cabbage, radishes, or carrots. The fertile soil in this area provides ideal conditions for these crops to flourish, resulting in substantial yields year after year.

According to Syed Mubashir, the Agricultural Extension Officer of Chadoora, there are 407 farming families in Bugam village, cultivating a total irrigated area of 202 hectares, with 174 hectares dedicated to vegetable farming and the rest for potato cultivation. They practice three crops a year, yielding approximately 840 quintals per hectare annually. Mubashir stated that Bugam village generated over 26 crores INR in revenue from vegetable production last year. So far this year, they have earned more than 15 crores INR. Nearly 27 crores INR worth of vegetables have been dispatched to various markets, including local markets and those in Kashmir, Jammu, Rajouri, and Delhi.

Bugam has established itself as a haven for vegetables, catering to both local and non-local consumers. It has become a vital source of livelihood for people from all walks of life, from men and women to locals and non-locals. Even highly educated youths are engaged in vegetable farming, with each farmer family employing a minimum of three to four laborers for their daily work on the farms. Bugam village has adopted advanced farming techniques to achieve higher production. Uzair Lone, a young farmer from the village involved in vegetable cultivation, shared with KNO that Bugam has a rich history of agricultural excellence and has earned the title of "Little Punjab" due to its remarkable contributions to the vegetable supply in the region.