Opinion | Two success stories on newly developed projects

Starting something from nothing is one of the hardest things to do, especially in a place like Kashmir. Life here is beautiful but not always easy. Opportunities are limited and people often prefer the safety of a government job over taking risks. When someone decides to begin their own venture, they are usually met with doubt instead of encouragement. Families worry, neighbours question, and society often finds it hard to believe that an ordinary person can build something on their own. Yet, there are always a few who dare to dream differently.

These are people who choose hard work over fear, and faith over uncertainty. They start with small steps,sometimes with just an idea and a bit of help from government schemes and slowly turn those steps into success stories. Their journeys remind us that progress is not only about big industries or large investments, but also about individuals who put their heart into their work.

Two such inspiring people from Kashmir are Nighat Hassan from Anantnag and Manzoor Ahmed from Ramban. Nighat turned her love for natural, homemade food into an organic brand called “Safalta” while Manzoor built a dairy business that now supports his family and provides jobs to others in his area. Their stories show how determination, along with timely support can change lives and bring hope to many others who are still waiting to take their first step.

In the small village of Badragund in Anantnag, Nighat Hassan started her journey with a simple dream to make something of her own. Coming from a modest background, she didn’t have much money or resources, but she had confidence in her idea and a strong will to work hard. Surrounded by apple orchards, she saw potential in what people often took for granted. While others sold apples in their raw form, Nighat thought of adding value to them by turning them into jams and pickles. That’s how her small venture began.

In the beginning, she faced many challenges. People around her doubted her idea and asked why she wanted to do something so uncertain. Like many women entrepreneurs, she had to balance family responsibilities and her business dreams. What kept her going was her belief that even small efforts could make a difference if done with honesty and patience. Her turning point came when she approached the Jammu & Kashmir Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Backward Classes Development Corporation for financial assistance. Through this government scheme, she received a loan , enough to buy basic equipment and start producing her first batches of organic apple jam.

Once the products came out, Nighat named her brand “Safalta”meaning “success.” She focused on keeping everything natural and homemade, using traditional recipes and local ingredients. Slowly, word spread. Her products were showcased in local exhibitions and fairs organized by government agencies, which helped her reach more customers. What began as a small home-based setup turned into a growing business that now sells a range of organic items, including jams, pickles, and Kashmiri kehwa.

Nighat’s story is not just about financial growth; it’s about belief and persistence. She created something meaningful out of local resources, showed how women in rural areas can build sustainable businesses, and proved that government support can truly make a difference when used the right way. Today, she employs several other women and continues to expand her brand. Her success stands as an example for young people, especially women in Kashmir, who dream of independence but are unsure where to begin.

Manzoor Ahmed from Bankoot village in Ramban had a very different beginning. He used to run a small dry fruit shop that gave him just enough to manage daily expenses. But like many others in rural Jammu and Kashmir, he wanted something more stable something that could grow over time. Watching the growing demand for fresh milk and dairy products, he decided to start a dairy farm. However, without proper funds or experience, it seemed almost impossible.

His chance came through the Integrated Dairy Development Scheme (IDDS) launched by the Jammu and Kashmir Government. The scheme provided subsidies and technical help to new dairy entrepreneurs. Manzoor applied for it, received training, and got assistance to purchase high-yield cattle, modern milking machines, and a bulk milk-cooling unit all at half the cost. This support gave him the confidence to finally begin.

At first, running the farm was not easy. He had to learn about animal care, feeding, and milk storage. There were moments of failure, but he never gave up. With dedication and guidance from the animal husbandry department, he built a small but efficient dairy unit. Over time, his daily milk production increased, and his sales grew to nearly 200 litres per day. What was once a small idea turned into a source of steady income and employment for others in his village. Today, Manzoor earns around three lakh rupees a month and supports several local families through his business.

Manzoor’s story shows how government initiatives can bring real change to rural areas when people are willing to work hard. It also reflects a growing shift in the mindset of Kashmir’s youth from depending solely on government jobs to creating independent livelihoods. His success has encouraged other young people in Ramban to explore similar opportunities in dairy and agriculture.

Both Nighat and Manzoor’s journeys, though different, share a common thread: the courage to start small and the strength to keep going. With the right mix of determination and government support, they have shown that progress in Kashmir doesn’t always need to come from big industries sometimes, it begins in small homes, with simple dreams and honest work.

The stories of Nighat Hassan and Manzoor Ahmed remind us that opportunities do exist , we just need to notice them and believe in ourselves enough to take that first step. The government today offers many schemes and support systems for people who wish to start their own ventures. From training programs and small loans to marketing help and subsidies, there are many doors waiting to be opened. But these doors only open for those who have the courage to knock.

In Kashmir, where young people often struggle with limited job options, such schemes can become a lifeline. They not only help individuals earn a living but also create local employment and encourage self-reliance. What Nighat and Manzoor achieved is proof that with honest effort and the right use of these opportunities, anyone can build a better future even with small beginnings.

At the same time, we must continue to explore and learn. Every success story starts with curiosity a desire to see what more can be done with what we already have. Whether it’s agriculture, crafts, tourism, or technology, Kashmir is full of potential waiting to be discovered. The more we explore, the more we grow. With the right mindset and steady government support, there’s no reason why many more stories like Nighat’s and Manzoor’s cannot emerge from our valleys in the years to come.

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