Shokat Ali, a local farmer from Katra has transformed his flower farming venture into a profitable business, earning approximately Rs 10 lakh annually. By combining traditional farming methods with innovative practices, Shokat and his family harvest flowers and create garlands to sell in the city, particularly in Katra.
Shokat spoke to ANI about his business and said, 'We plant around 40-50 Kanal of flowers, with 20 Kanal on our land and the rest leased. We sell the flowers in Katra, and any surplus is sent to the Jammu Mandi. We prepare well in advance for the peak season around Navratri, as it's a great time for flower sales. A good-quality hybrid seed planted in one Kanal can earn us between Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000.'
With support from the agriculture and floriculture departments, as well as the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Shokat continues to refine his farming techniques.
He further added, 'The departments provide valuable advice and sometimes offer free medicines for the flowers to ensure good quality.'
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