Transforming agriculture
Kashmir’s agricultural produce is diverse. From Apples, Cherries, Pears, Saffron and other products, Mustard cultivation across the region is also thriving, with the region seeing a significant increase in production.
In 2025, mustard production touched 143,476.9 metric tonnes, up from 107,476.9 MT in 2024, marking a 36,000 MT surge. This growth is attributed to expanded cultivation and the adoption of high-yielding seed varieties.
Surprisingly, the fields of Pulwama have become a striking symbol of Jammu and Kashmir’s growing ‘yellow revolution,’ with the south Kashmir district emerging as a frontrunner in oilseed cultivation and farmer-led agricultural transformation.
Traditionally known for its paddy and apple production, Pulwama is now witnessing a remarkable shift as hundreds of farmers embrace mustard cultivation, driven by favourable government policies, improved seed varieties, and rising demand for edible oils.
Notably, vast stretches of land that once lay fallow during the Rabi season come alive ahead of spring season in Kashmir reflecting vibrant yellow blooms, signalling both ecological renewal and economic promise.
Experts credit this success to sustained awareness campaigns and targeted interventions under various centrally sponsored schemes. The south Kashmir district has shown exceptional progress in oilseed cultivation over the past few years. The acreage under mustard has expanded significantly, and farmers are realising better returns compared to traditional crops.
What is heartening to note is that the government has been providing high-yielding seed varieties, technical guidance, and timely inputs to farmers, ensuring higher productivity and better quality produce.
The result is that Mustard cultivation has made farming more sustainable and profitable. Mustard farming is proving to be a game-changer for small and marginal farmers. It not only supplements their income but also fits well into the crop diversification strategy.
Kashmir as we all know has a limited time frame available for farming. The more than five month winter season period makes our agricultural activity vulnerable as limited crops are grown during this limited time period.
Since our land remains underutilised for most part of the year, Mustard cultivation has come as a harbinger of enhancing cultivation of other crops. It’s quite significant to note that not only do south Kashmir districts pave way for Mustard cultivation in a huge way but other north Kashmir districts Baramulla is also making headway in its cultivations.
This north Kashmir district managed to raise 22,168.9 MT during the last fiscal and the numbers are due for an increase this year as well.
Since the produce has been quite overwhelming Mustard cultivations should be enhanced by ensuring farmer participation across districts. Though there has been a visible shift in mindset, farmers are now more open to adopting alternative crops like mustard, especially after witnessing successful demonstrations in south Kashmir belts.
As the golden fields sway gently under the spring sun, Pulwama’s Yellow Revolution stands as a testament to resilience, innovation, and the enduring spirit of Kashmir’s farming community—turning colour into prosperity, and tradition into transformation.
