BANIHAL: In an inspiring example of grit and grassroots entrepreneurship, Zubair Ahmed Drabu from Banihal has turned personal adversity into a success story by establishing Drabu Spices Banihal (DBS), a growing spice processing and marketing unit based in Dooliga. His journey, formalised under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme, reflects the transformative impact of targeted government support on young local entrepreneurs, a DIPR JK brief news feature said.
Zubair’s story began with hardship. Orphaned by 2017 and left with the responsibility of raising his two younger sisters, he balanced personal responsibilities with an emerging entrepreneurial dream. Starting in 2019 with modest efforts in marketing dry fruits and agro-products, Zubair gradually laid the foundation for a larger vision — a structured spice business.
That vision came to fruition with critical support from the Department of Horticulture Planning and Marketing under the PMFME scheme. With professional training, financial assistance, and continuous handholding, Zubair transitioned from a home-based setup to a formal production unit. He was sanctioned a loan of Rs 8.70 lakh through JK Bank, carrying a 35 per cent back-ended subsidy. Today, DBS Spices boasts a monthly output of 60–70 quintals and provides employment to five local youths.
Zubair credited the District Administration Ramban, particularly Deputy Commissioner Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary, for encouraging employment-focused schemes that help local youth move beyond unemployment. Specialised training at SKUAST-Jammu, participation in the International Exhibition at Pragati Maidan, and exposure through a buyer-seller meet in Hyderabad were described by Zubair as game-changing opportunities that widened his market access and business perspective.
The local community has lauded his efforts, viewing Zubair as a role model for youth aiming to venture into self-employment. His initiative not only strengthens the region’s economic fabric but also underscores the effectiveness of schemes like PMFME in empowering individuals to harness local resources and skills.
Looking ahead, Zubair plans to expand DBS Spices across Jammu and Kashmir and into other states, continuing to promote self-reliance and employment in agro-based industries. He encourages fellow youth to become job creators by leveraging local produce and government-backed opportunities.
DBS Spices is fast emerging as a symbol of what determination, guidance, and timely institutional support can achieve in rural India.
