Shifting abruptly from being an educator to agriculture, Mohammad Sadiq, from the apple town of Sopore in North Kashmir, became an inspiration and an example for thousands of unemployed youths. Not only did he become an example for individuals who retired, but also for those unaware of the potential in agriculture, the backbone of Kashmir. He proved that post-retirement is not the end of life but the beginning of a new journey; in fact, post-retirement can be highly beneficial for society, utilizing the vast experience one has gained.

With many of his ideas, Sadiq implemented his first innovative plan on strawberries. Over 5 kanals of land, he cultivated strawberries and achieved his first success in 2010. He initially began cultivating strawberries with the aim of making strawberry jam. Using a simple home mixer grinder, Sadiq started producing the jam. Determined to ensure the best quality, he sent his product to SKUAST-Kashmir for analysis. His strawberry jam was approved by the authorities and received a license from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Amazingly, he accomplished all of this without support from any government schemes or loans, relying solely on his resources and organic farming techniques. Today, his food processing unit produces chemical-free jams and murabbas, setting a benchmark for the sustainable production of healthy food.
Sadiq's agriculture venture goes beyond strawberries. He has a five-Kanals farm that creates an environment of horticulture and has numerous kinds of fruit on it. This includes apples, mangoes, oranges, lemons, and the more exotic black diamond apples, figs, and pomegranates. In order to increase productivity, he adopts the dwarf tree variety; through this, he can grow 400 plants in one Kanal. The latest drip irrigation system is used for optimum amounts of water usage. Sadiq keeps an eye on every process—rootstock to grafting and to establishment—to control waste to a minimum. His extra care has transformed his orchard into a highly efficient and sustainable model.
Sadiq expanded his agricultural pursuits into apiculture by purchasing one bee colony from Kupwara. He chanced a series of setbacks he faced in handling colonies; nonetheless, Sadiq's perseverance eventually paid off. In 2024, his apiary had grown to eight thriving colonies, and he anticipated growing up to 20-30 colonies by next year. During the period of winter-summer, each colony produces some 30 kilograms of honey, harvested twice a year. As these Kashmiri winters are a bit rough for honeybees, Sadiq uses different methods, like covering the grass and warm blankets around the colonies, to save it from migration in winters. His practical approach reflects his interest in adapting traditional skills to local circumstances. Although Sadiq is passionate about agriculture, his interests extend to floriculture. He has an array of flowers, including lavender, zinnias, and rosemary, besides ornamental ones like Aloe Vera and rubber plants. In the winter months, he uses greenhouses to continue cultivation so that the production is round the year. Sadiq engages in a singular effort of upcycling single-use plastic waste to create seeds, successfully fusing sustainability with innovation. His efforts beautify his farm while contributing to environmental conservation.
It is most remarkable when he employed his ingenuity in his solar drying techniques. A decade ago, he designed a wood, aluminum, and glass-made manual solar dryer. This simple yet efficient device enables him to dry fruits and vegetables, such as chilies, tomatoes, and eggplants. Although he later shifted to electric drying methods, Sadiq continues to perfect his solar dryer, making it more spacious and efficient. His commitment to sustainable technology speaks well to the potential of small-scale innovations to transform agricultural practices. Beyond his agricultural pursuits, Sadiq has converted his farm into a learning center. The student visits this farming center thrice every week from various universities in Kashmir. Here, he trains students on hands-on experience in sustainable farming practices. His training programs are certified courses that impart valuable skills and knowledge to budding agriculturists.
He believes that women can play a more important role in agrarian change and contribute to societal development through advanced agricultural technology. His vision also puts heavy emphasis on inclusivity, equal opportunities, and shaping the future to be sustainable.
A journey from being a dedicated teacher to an agricultural innovator, with a story of resilience, ingenuity, and community spirit, is that of Ghulam Mohammad Sadiq. Through his hard work, he has not only revived his land but inspired thousands of others to consider agriculture as a rewardingly fulfilling and impactful endeavors. As he expands his ventures and shares his expertise, Sadiq epitomizes a bond with his heritage that results in transformational change. His story symbolizes hope and innovation-fueled icons through proving that with determination and vision, one can ensure permanent transitions in the world.

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