From Korea to Kashmir: Woman scientist left PhD for farming!!
Insha Rasool, a resident of Budgam district of kashmir, left her PhD in Korea and returned to India. After coming back in 2018, he decided to do farming. Insha, who was studying molecular signaling from a university in South Korea, now wanted to do 'organic farming'.
Being a scientist by profession, she knew that just doing research was not enough to grow crops. He spent months experimenting with different varieties of seeds in different seasons. Insha Rasool while talking to a media says, “I failed more than I succeeded. Sometimes the crop doesn't grow, or the fertilizer doesn't work. Sometimes I pour more water. Or planted the seed in the wrong season. This experiment continued for a period of six months. Eventually, I chose to continue with farming. And this decision turned out to be the right one in changing our lives."
Insha who is an alumnus of the indian Institute of Science in Bangalore. She has lived in many places with greenery and low temperature. After living in kashmir, delhi and Bangalore, she moved to South Korea. Where the weather is more pleasant. He says that his family used to do farming. He saw a strawberry form during his child's schoolwork. It was only after that that he became interested in farming.
He said that I was blown away by the incredible technology he used to grow fresh, colorful strawberries. I jokingly told my husband how nice it would be if someone in kashmir did this. Then my husband said that when we have land then why wait for someone else. This was done after six months of rigorous planning and research by deciding to drop everything.” Insha sells her crops on her instagram and data-facebook pages. They claim that most of the products are sold out within 24 hours.
He told The Better india that “I earned around Rs 8 lakh in last november and December. We are continuously growing in this field. We profit from the sale of varieties of French beans and peas as well as blanched sweet corn and tomatoes. We can sell it throughout the year." Most interestingly, Insha has collaborated with the help of local farmers to sell products like exotic vegetables and pickles across india under its own brand. Insha does this work in collaboration with about 15-20 farmers every month. And give them work at a higher rate than the market rate. Seeing the success of her brand, Insha is planning to take more land for poultry section and farming soon.