Autumn Harvest Begins Across Kashmir as Golden Paddy Fields Come Alive

As autumn settles over Kashmir, the Valley’s countryside is transforming into a sea of gold, with farmers stepping into the paddy fields to begin the annual harvest season. Across villages, the sight of ripe paddy swaying in the autumn breeze is giving way to busy fields, where farmers are cutting the mature crop and gathering months of hard work into bundles.

For generations, paddy harvesting has remained much more than a routine agricultural activity in Kashmir. It is a cherished seasonal tradition that brings families together, with men, women, and children joining hands in the fields as the crop is reaped and prepared for the long winter ahead. Farmers cut the paddy through traditional methods before tying the harvested crop into bundles locally known as Poun.

The bundles are subsequently stacked for drying and thorough threshing. Speaking from his field, farmer Bashir Ahamad noted that the crop has matured exceptionally well this year, giving them hope for a strong harvest. For many local growers, the gathering process also carries profound emotional significance and acts as a moment of deep gratitude.

Fayaz Ahamad expressed that after months of dedicated labor, seeing the crop ready for harvesting brings immense happiness to every farmer. This harvesting season marks one of the most vital phases in Kashmir’s agricultural calendar, with paddy remaining a major staple crop closely tied to the rural economy and traditional way of life.

With operations now fully underway, farmers are expected to remain deeply engaged in field work over the coming weeks. Once gathered, the paddy will be dried, threshed, and stored for the winter months, once again illustrating the enduring bond between the people of the Valley and their fertile land.