Adiala villages keep organic farming alive

Farmers use natural fertilisers to ensure healthier yield

RAWALPINDI:

Located near the Adiala Central Jail, the villages around Adiala have long been renowned for their fresh, naturally grown vegetables.

The tradition remains alive today. Unlike many farming areas, these fields are nourished with natural fertilisers, such as buffalo and cow dung, instead of artificial chemical options, ensuring a healthier yield for consumers and the environment alike.

Located in the rain-fed Potohar region, the fertile lands of Adiala are a daily source of vegetables for local markets.

Farmers here grow a variety of seasonal produce, including greens, spinach, coriander, mint, potatoes, onions, radishes, carrots, turnips, and beets. The produce is not only sold in the wholesale vegetable markets of Islamabad but is also available locally at much lower prices—often 30 to 50 per cent cheaper than open market rates.

The affordability and freshness draw a significant number of customers, including women and residents from nearby areas, who prefer buying directly from the fields. "We cultivate seasonal vegetables and rely solely on natural fertilizers," said Sain Badr and Ahad Mehmood, local farmers from Adiala village. "Every morning at 6am, we begin harvesting vegetables for local sale. For the wholesale market, we start in the afternoon and dispatch the produce to Islamabad by night."

At this time of the year, crops like cabbage, turnips, carrots, radishes, beetroot, mint, and coriander dominate the fields.

The vegetables are cleaned, bundled, and either sent to market or sold directly from the farms. Small ponds built alongside the fields make washing the vegetables a convenient task, adding to their visual appeal and freshness.

The vibrant green fields, dotted with tube wells for irrigation, offer an enchanting rural scene.

Many farmers have adopted solar energy to power these wells, making their farming methods both sustainable and cost-effective.

Adiala's flourishing vegetable farms continue to serve as a vital hub for fresh produce, reflecting the harmony of tradition and sustainability in the heart of Potohar.

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