The mustard fields of Kashmir, with their vibrant yellow blooms, have emerged as a major tourist attraction this spring, drawing hundreds of visitors to the valley’s picturesque landscapes. Stretching across vast swaths of agricultural land, these fields have added a splash of color to the region’s scenery, particularly along major highways and routes leading to popular destinations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg. Tourists from across India and abroad are stopping by these fields to capture their beauty through photographs and videos, creating unforgettable memories in the backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
The sight of mustard flowers has captivated visitors, who describe the experience as magical. Pawan Kumar, a tourist from New Delhi, shared his awe at witnessing a sea of yellow flowers for the first time during his visit to Pampore in Pulwama district. “The view was so mesmerizing that we had to ask our cab driver to stop so we could take pictures,” he said. Similarly, Mukhtar Ahmad from Aishmuqam noted that tourists en route to Pahalgam often pause to enjoy the serenity of the mustard fields. Lateef Ahmad from Tangmarg added that even those heading toward Gulmarg make it a point to stop and admire the golden blooms along the way.
Tourists have expressed their delight at experiencing Kashmir’s breathtaking beauty during springtime. Mirat Tripathi, a visitor from Gujarat, shared how spending time in the mustard fields brought him peace of mind and made spring his favorite season for visiting Kashmir. Many visitors have described the valley as ‘Heaven on Earth,’ urging others to explore its charm at least once in their lifetime.
The growing popularity of mustard fields as a tourist attraction has not gone unnoticed by local authorities. Officials are actively promoting agro-tourism in Kashmir by encouraging farmers to cultivate mustard on more land and establishing tourist stopovers near these fields. The government’s National Oilseeds Mission has played a key role in expanding mustard cultivation across the valley. Agriculture Director Chowdhary Muhammad Iqbal revealed that mustard farming has grown significantly over recent years—from 30,000 hectares two years ago to over 1.40 lakh hectares today. This expansion has not only enhanced the valley’s natural beauty but also boosted economic opportunities for farmers, who are earning higher prices for their produce due to increased demand for mustard oil seeds.
Mustard farming is an annual crop in Kashmir, sown in October and harvested in April or May. Farmers have begun utilizing fallow lands and adopting intercropping systems to increase cultivation further. The crop’s dual benefits—economic and aesthetic—are being leveraged to promote sustainable agriculture alongside tourism development. The tourism department is planning dedicated stopovers at mustard fields along highways and routes leading to ski resorts like Gulmarg and Pahalgam, ensuring tourists can fully immerse themselves in this unique experience.
The favorable weather conditions this year have contributed to higher production levels, with farmers reporting increased yields and profits. Last year, mustard was sold for ₹9,000 per quintal; this year, initial reports suggest prices have risen by 15-20%. These developments highlight how mustard farming has become both an economic boon for local farmers and a visual treat for tourists.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the mustard fields symbolize the valley’s transition from winter to summer—a time when Kashmir sheds its snowy blanket for lush greenery and vibrant blooms. This transformation underscores the region’s ability to offer diverse experiences across all seasons, solidifying its reputation as one of India’s premier travel destinations.
With initiatives like agro-tourism gaining traction and infrastructure improvements underway, Kashmir’s mustard fields are poised to become an integral part of its tourism landscape. As visitors continue flocking to these golden landscapes, they not only celebrate nature’s beauty but also contribute to the valley’s economic growth and cultural preservation.
