Srinagar, Oct 14: It is harvesting season and every day Abdul Salam Khan (58) leaves with a bag full of cosmetics.
He visits every farmer, thrashing paddy during harvesting season, to sell cosmetic items and get a share from the produce.
This has been a routine for him for the last four years. It fetches him a good quantity of the produce which lasts for six to seven months.
“During harvesting time when farmers thrash paddy, small-scale seasonal vendors earn a bit of livelihood. I sell cosmetics and combs to the farmers all across the Baramulla district during harvesting season,” he said.
From traditional snack sellers to cosmetics and herbal items, the harvesting season in Kashmir has become a significant source of income for small and seasonal vendors.
Kashmiri traditional nadri monj’e as such is becoming the most sought snack for farmers during the harvesting period, which escalates its sales.
“On an average daily, I sell more than 30 kilograms of nadri monj’e and in return, I get three bags full of grains. It is a good seasonal business since the traditional variety of rice is in demand and fetches us a good sum. Scores of skilled men adopt this business during the harvesting period to make good money,” said Showkat Ahamd Bhat, one of the sellers.
The water chestnuts too sell like hotcakes among the farmers during the harvesting period. “My father used to sell water chestnuts during harvesting season. This business of just two weeks would fetch us enough rice to sustain for the rest of the year. People who live along Jhelum and Wular mostly cash in on harvesting season to make a good income by selling water chestnuts,” said Ghulam Mohiuddin Bhat, a vendor.
As such the farmers claim that these vendors have become an eminent part of Kashmir agriculture.
“The harvesting season is not just about the crops; it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and resilience that fuels the spirit of Kashmir. We have been embracing these vendors with open arms as they prove a good omen for the agricultural produce of farmers,” said Muneer Ahmad Ganie, a farmer.
