In an inspiring tale of courage, self-belief, and rural entrepreneurship, a young woman from South Kashmir’s Shopian district has chosen to follow her heart instead of the conventional path to government service. Shazia Jan, a law graduate who once aspired to join the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Services (JKAS), has set up a thriving farm at her ancestral home in Mooolu Chitragam village.
Shazia Jan shared her journey from the confines of legal textbooks to the open fields of her village. A holder of B.A.LL.B and LLM degrees, Shazia had been preparing for the JKAS competitive exams but ultimately decided to pursue what she truly loved—farming.
“I always wanted to serve people, and for a long time, I thought I could only do that through administration. But during the COVID-19 lockdown, when everything came to a standstill, I returned to my roots and found meaning in the land I was born into,” Shazia told KNT.
What began as a modest effort during the pandemic has now turned into a successful agricultural venture. Shazia has cultivated a diverse farm that includes multiple breeds of livestock, along with a rich variety of fruit trees and vegetables. Her farm is not only self-sustaining but also serves as a model for aspiring agri-preneurs in the region.
“I started with a few animals and some basic tools. Today, I rear multiple breeds of goats, cows, and poultry, alongside apple orchards, walnuts, and other fruits native to the region. It gives me immense satisfaction to be able to create something sustainable while staying close to my family and heritage,” she said.
Shazia’s story is particularly significant in a region where youth unemployment and migration are pressing issues. By choosing to remain in her village and investing in agriculture, she has not only defied social expectations but also set an example of self-reliance and empowerment.
Her transition from aspiring bureaucrat to a successful farmer is also emblematic of a broader movement of educated youth reconsidering career paths and opting for innovative models of rural enterprise. Many in her village now look up to her as a role model.
Shazia is optimistic about the future. She plans to expand her farm into a full-fledged agribusiness, incorporating organic farming techniques and community-based training programs for women interested in agriculture.
“Farming is not a fallback option. It is a dignified, fulfilling profession, especially when done with vision and purpose,” she said with a smile.
Her journey stands as a testament to how passion, resilience, and a connection to the land can rewrite the narrative of success in Kashmir. [KNT]
