Baramulla: Nestled amid dense pine forests and rolling mountain slopes at an altitude of around 8,400 feet, the Bosian Potato Seed Multiplication Farm in Hajibal area of Baramulla is poised for a bumper harvest this season, with officials expecting production of 3,000 to 4,000 quintals of quality seed potatoes.
Favourable weather conditions and adequate rainfall have boosted crop growth at the high-altitude farm, one of Kashmir’s key centres for potato seed multiplication.
Established in the early 1970s, the Bosian farm plays an important role in supplying quality seed potatoes to farmers across the Valley through the Agriculture Department.
Farm employee Abdul Rashid Bukhari said the crop has benefited from sufficient rainfall and favourable climatic conditions this year.
“We are hopeful that seed potato production will cross 3,000 quintals this season,” he said.
Despite the promising outlook, farm officials and workers say poor road connectivity continues to hamper operations. The approach road to the farm is in a dilapidated condition, making transportation of machinery, agricultural inputs and harvested produce difficult.
“Our workers have to walk several kilometres from the nearest accessible point because of poor road conditions. Some walk six to seven kilometres from Khamo in Rafiabad to reach the farm,” said Farm Manager Maqsood Ahmad Mir.
Workers have also highlighted the lack of basic facilities, including adequate accommodation, drinking water, reliable electricity and mobile connectivity. They said two sheds constructed at the farm remain affected by permission and land-related issues.
According to officials, around 400 kanals are currently under cultivation, with different potato varieties grown in separate blocks. Farm operations include land preparation, planting, crop protection, harvesting, sorting and packing.
Mir said departmental seed farms are crucial for ensuring the availability of quality planting material and strengthening self-reliance in seed production.
“Modern interventions are being used to improve productivity, crop protection, post-harvest management and quality seed production,” he said.
Officials said manpower shortages also remain a challenge, with only 26 workers currently managing the farm, while nearly 50 workers are required for efficient operations.
After harvesting, seed potatoes are transported to the Agriculture Department’s base facility at Wohalutra in Rafiabad for sorting and packing before being shifted to departmental stores in Srinagar and distributed among farmers across Kashmir.
While expectations remain high for a strong harvest this year, workers and officials say improved road connectivity and better infrastructure are essential for unlocking the farm’s full potential and sustaining its contribution to Kashmir’s agricultural sector.
