Syed Shazia Lateef, a dynamic lawyer from Shopian, South Kashmir, has become an inspiring figure in the world of sustainable and innovative agriculture. While still practicing law, she has also opened up a very unique and innovative way of farming . Her business is not only an income earner for her, but also a learning center for the local farmers. Starting with the Emu business of farming the second largest bird of the world up to the horticulture of different vegetables and the bird training and boarding, Shazia’s farm is a reality of her dreams. This shows that with such determination one can definitely set the required changes within the society which break the stereotype of the society.
The particular world of emus and exotic birds
Shazia’s farm is founded on these birds; large-sized and standing as the second largest bird species in the world. Still, these are very fast birds, and quite powerful too, despite the fact that they are incapable of flying. When at a running pace, it is known that some emu’s could cover a distance of nine feet in a single pace. These eight month old emus were introduced to the farm in March; once matured, the birds will take two years, and they will weigh between 40 to 50 kilograms. Besides emus, Shazia also breeds turkeys, silkies and Cochin Brahmas. These birds which she buys either from local and international markets-represent a colourful and a diverse approach to her farming. The increasing market for exotic birds has been catered for by her initiative hence making her farm a precious addition to the Kasmiri economy.
Integrated Farming: Sustainability vs Innovation
Shazia is as unconventional as her approach to the practices of farming. She has diversified her farming practices by combining crop production with animal farming in a way that delivers efficiency. Her farm is composed of duck, rabbits and different species of fish in order to harmonies the system. She uses wastes from apple trees and vegetables that may be grown in the compound reducing external resource dependency. It also has an ecological explanation because it does not let the products become waste, and are organic and of a high quality. Fully following Shazia’s model, organic agriculture shows that agriculture as a business can be lucrative, and at the same time, sustainable. Other farmers are encouraged to also start to emulate her strategies just to improve on their yields in farming.
Empowering the Community Through Employment
A major highlight of Shazia’s farming story is that she has devoted herself toward bringing positive change in farming communities. She farms directly offers employment to 10 to 15 people, some of whom are her family members. In addition to salary, the project provides its participants with a source of stable income as well as satisfaction with their work. This duly makes Shazia’s farm to be a haven for job creation and opportunities special for women. In doing so she subverts discourse and empowers herself and others who want to become economically successful through home based businesses. She realises the benefits of opening and encouraging job employment opportunities in the local area to try and eliminate migration, and support the growth of the rural sectors.
The Herald A Paper of Inspiration and Economic Empowerment
The cows of Shazia have been turned into a source of inspiration for the residents of South Kashmir. She has diversified her business strains to include exotic vegetables, livestock and birds to create an excellent business model. The birds and the fruits that are grown here have a good market value; some birds are sold at 5000 INR and above. Besides, she mentions that this business line generates so much profit that it helps her support her family, as well as boosts the economy of the region in question. Shazia’s effort presents a model for practising conventional farming since passion, innovation, and hard work are solutions to the challenges. Her success story is one that any young, ambitious entrepreneur, especially a woman, should follow closely and learn from.
How challenges can be transformed into opportunities
Syed Shazia Lateef’s remarkable journey from a lawyer to an innovative farmer underscores the power of perseverance and vision. And by combining cultural practices with modern practices, she has not only made her business economically sustainable but she has helped to change her community for the better. As one glance outside my window indicates, Shazia’s farm is much more than the business that started here; hope, a charm that with sheer hard work and pep, every challenge turns into opportunity and change for the better is in making here.
Also Read: Prazna Foundation: A Compassionate Approach to Menstrual Health and Women’s Dignity
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