Anantnag, Mar 17: A young entrepreneur from Anantnag, once known for selling kiwis on social media, has now built a high-density nursery business supplying hybrid plants across Kashmir.
Gowhar Jabeen, 28, an MSc in Agricultural Economics and a PhD scholar, has emerged as a mentor for women entrepreneurs in the Valley. Her nursery in Anantnag stocks high-density planting materials such as apples grown on imported rootstocks, along with hybrid peaches, plums, apricots, and other grafted varieties.
“I got this idea from economics. I already had a business mindset, but economics gave me an edge,” Jabeen told Kashmir Convener. “I did an analysis, studied the market, and thought, since I am an agriculture student, why not work with a nursery?”
She said, “My business started with kiwis, which earned me the name ‘Kiwi Girl of Kashmir.’ But after that, I opened my own large nursery.”
Reflecting on her journey, she said, “I didn’t have to struggle too much because once I came on social media, people trusted me. Why? Because I was always honest—if something was wrong with a plant, I said so. If something was good, I said that too.”
That approach paid off. Customers returned and brought others with them. “Now, Alhamdulillah, it has grown significantly. I distribute plants all over Kashmir and beyond,” she added.
The Anantnag-based entrepreneur also pointed to a shift in the Valley’s social landscape. Five years ago, she noted, even educated girls remained dependent on their families. Rising inflation, she argued, has forced a change in mindset.
“Every girl began to think she should do something on her own. When a well-educated girl or boy sits at home after studying, many difficulties arise. That inspired many people to start something on their own,” she said.
In line with her university’s ‘lab to land’ theme, Gowhar Jabeen now guides women in nursery work and floriculture. “Because of me, many girls took up this work and sought guidance from me,” she shared.
“Nowadays, everyone should start their own business, especially girls. Girls should never depend on anyone. Everyone should be independent,” she emphasized. “It’s not like it was two to four years ago. Things are so expensive now. If a person doesn’t do business, it will be hard to survive.”
She added, “Don’t worry too much about future benefits. Leave everything to God. If we don’t take the risk—even if there is a loss—we should be ready to face it. Sometimes there is loss, sometimes profit. But we should be prepared for both.”
“The biggest problem is that we don’t believe in ourselves. Kashmiri girls can do anything. Believe in yourself, and see how good your life can become.”
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