by Shugufta Khurshid
SRINAGAR: Syed Shazia Latif, a PhD scholar from Molu Chitragam in Shopian district, has built an integrated farming ecosystem that blends agriculture and livestock. She cultivates grapes, kiwis, and vegetables while also exporting her produce. Among her most unusual ventures is the rearing of emus—Australia’s national bird and the world’s second-largest species after the ostrich.
Once a practising lawyer, Shazia left the legal profession to focus entirely on farming. Her orchards now produce both conventional and exotic crops, employing more than a dozen people.
“During the COVID-19 lockdown, the world came to a halt, yet my family experienced little disruption. We had homegrown poultry, dairy, vegetables, fish, and fruit,” she said. “That moment made me reassess my priorities. I decided to leave active legal practice and commit myself to farming full time.”
Shazia has since become a leading advocate of modern agricultural practices, particularly in rural areas. Her farm is not only productive but also a model of sustainable agriculture. She emphasises the economic potential of integrated farming, demonstrating how diversification can drive growth and self-sufficiency.
“Our farm has become a training ground where farmers come to learn new techniques,” she said.
Her initiative promotes sustainable practices and highlights the viability of unconventional farming. By introducing emu farming to the region, she has shown how diverse agricultural pursuits can yield substantial benefits.
“There is immense potential for innovation in farming. If educated young people step forward, we can transform the industry,” she added.
Beyond her farm, Shazia actively engages in community outreach, educating local farmers about sustainable methods and the benefits of diversifying crops and livestock. Her journey—from lawyer to farmer—exemplifies a commitment to both agriculture and legal advocacy. By merging these fields, she is inspiring a new generation of farmers and professionals alike.
