With the onset of spring in the Valley, tourists are flocking to witness the mesmerizing mustard fields that have transformed the rural landscape into a golden spectacle adorned with breathtaking blossoms.
The picturesque landscape, adorned with golden hues of blooming mustard flowers against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, has become a magnet for tourists seeking unforgettable experiences and stunning photo opportunities.
Tourists make a stopover by the mustard fields to capture selfies amidst the sea of yellow petals, evoking scenes reminiscent of a Bollywood masterpiece. “We are capturing every moment. The beauty of this place is unparalleled, and this feels straight out of a DDLJ movie,” Neha Gaikwad, a tourist from Pune, said while striking an iconic pose amidst the mustard blooms.
For content creators and vloggers, the mustard fields provide a canvas of colours to enrich their content. “Kashmir’s allure is perennial, but spring offers a burst of vibrant hues,” Amir Ahmad, said. He emphasized the charm of capturing moments amid the mustard fields and wild tulips, ideal for pre-wedding shoots.
Tourists like Kusum from Canada, find themselves enchanted by the unexpected beauty of the mustard fields. “This moment will stay etched in our memories forever. Words fail to describe the sheer beauty of this place,” she said.
Beyond its visual splendor, mustard cultivation plays a pivotal role in the region’s agricultural economy. With around 70% of the state’s population residing in rural areas, their livelihoods are intricately tied to this sector.
Under the National Oilseeds Mission, ambitious plans are underway to expand oilseed cultivation, particularly mustard, in Kashmir. “The mission aims to expand oilseed cultivation to 140,000 hectares by 2023-24, a remarkable 253.12% increase,” said Director of Agriculture Chowdary Iqbal.
He said this expansion is projected to yield approximately 133.4 thousand metric tons of edible oils, valued at around 770.385 crore rupees, bolstering the agricultural economy of the region significantly.
