Bandipora Woman Turns Rooftop into Profitable Vegetable & Mushroom Farm, Inspires Women Across Kashmir Anchor:-In the heart of North Kashmir’s Bandipora district, a remarkable story of resilience and determination is taking root. Asiya Akbar, a 35-year-old woman from Nussu village, has transformed the rooftop of her home into a flourishing mushroom and vegetable farm. Earning between Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000 per month, she has become an inspiration for women across Kashmir proving that courage and innovation can thrive even in the toughest conditions. Once burdened by loss and hardship, Asiya’s journey is a powerful reminder of perseverance. After losing her husband only a few years into marriage, she was left to raise two young children on her own, battling emotional, social, and financial challenges. Her struggles deepened in 2019 when a fire destroyed her home, leaving her with little more than determination to rebuild her life. Refusing to surrender, Asiya turned to the only space left her rooftop. Without land to cultivate, she began experimenting with organic vegetable and mushroom farming, using locally available materials and simple techniques. What began as a small survival effort soon grew into a thriving business, generating a steady monthly income and transforming her circumstances. Today, Asiya’s rooftop farm supplies fresh mushrooms and vegetables to several districts, including Srinagar, Ganderbal, Kupwara, and Baramulla. Her work has drawn widespread attention, inspiring women throughout the Valley to explore rooftop farming as a sustainable livelihood. Her efforts were recently recognized at the national level when the Indian Army honored her in Udhampur, Jammu, for her innovation, courage, and contribution to sustainable agriculture. It was a proud moment not only for Asiya but for every Kashmiri woman striving for self-reliance. Asiya recalls that her interest in mushroom cultivation began five years ago during a visit to Kupwara with the Territorial Army. “That’s when I first learned about mushroom farming,” she said. “With support from the Agriculture Department and encouragement from my community, I started small and stayed consistent.” She believes rooftop farming can be a game-changer for many women facing unemployment. “Government jobs are limited, especially for educated women,” she said. “But farming from home is something anyone can start with minimal investment. It’s practical, profitable, and empowering.” Looking ahead, Asiya dreams of creating a cooperative network for women in Kashmir to share resources, learn techniques, and build sustainable businesses together. “I want to train women and motivate them to use whatever space they have even a small rooftop can become a source of income,” she added with a smile. From the ashes of tragedy, Asiya Akbar has cultivated more than just crops she has cultivated hope. Her journey from hardship to success is a living example that determination, hard work, and belief in oneself can turn even the humblest rooftop into a field of dreams. Byte By Asiya Akbar