Muhammad Asghar, 55, is a resident of Bagrote Valley, located in the scenic Gilgit Baltistan region of Pakistan. With a humble educational background, having completed up to the eighth grade, Asghar served in the Pakistan Army before retiring. He is a father of nine, with some of his children already married and others pursuing their education. Post-retirement, Asghar decided to stay close to his roots and began a motorcycle repair business in his village. Alongside his business, he cultivates various crops and vegetables on his four kanals (approximately half an acre) of land.

The Greenhouse Initiative: A Turning Point

In February 2023, the Snow Leopard Foundation (SLF) provided Muhammad Asghar with a greenhouse (Tunnel) to assist in his agricultural activities. Despite his initial uncertainty about how beneficial this new structure would be, he applied his farming knowledge and experience to grow a variety of vegetables. Although he received no formal training, his expertise allowed him to grow cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, okra, and other vegetables in the greenhouse. By May 2023, Asghar was ready to take his first batch of greenhouse-grown vegetables to the local market. When he arrived at the market, his success was met with amazement. No one expected fresh vegetables to be available during that season, and his fellow villagers were in awe of his ability to produce such high-quality crops in off-season conditions. Word quickly spread, and many local residents, curious about his success, visited his home to view the greenhouse and learn from his innovative farming methods.

A Village Transformed by Innovation

Asghar’s success has inspired many in his village. Impressed by his greenhouse (tunnel) and its potential to improve livelihoods, villagers have begun applying for grants and support to build greenhouses of their own. Asghar has graciously shared his knowledge and even gifted vegetables to several neighbors as a way to motivate them.

Now in his second year of greenhouse farming, Asghar is optimistic that he can continue growing fresh produce, even during the harsh winters when fresh vegetables are scarce. Historically, villagers would dry vegetables to preserve them for winter, but the introduction of fresh, homegrown produce during the colder months is a new development that has improved both nutrition and overall well-being. The availability of fresh food has also helped reduce household expenses, a key factor for the sustainability of such initiatives.

Efficient Time Management: A Key to Success

Balancing his motorcycle repair business and the greenhouse requires careful time management. Asghar starts his day early, offering his morning prayers before heading to work in the greenhouse. After breakfast, he shifts his focus to his motorcycle business, returning to the greenhouse in the evenings to tend to his crops. Asghar attributes much of his success to this diligent routine, noting that the more effort he puts into his greenhouse, the more rewards he reaps.

“This greenhouse has transformed my life and my community. Which was once a dream—growing fresh vegetables in winter—has become a reality, thanks to the Snow Leopard Foundation.” Muhammad Asghar,

Community Impact and Economic Growth

Asghar’s success has not only benefited him but has also had a ripple effect on the entire village. His achievements have motivated others to pursue similar opportunities, recognizing the potential of greenhouse farming to boost incomes and promote healthier diets.

In fact, the demand for his fresh, organic produce has been so high that local shopkeepers, like Aqil Hussain, have already placed orders for the next season’s vegetables. He praised the quality of Asghar’s produce, emphasizing that the vegetables were fresher, healthier, and more nutritious than other options available. Bagrote Valley, where Asghar resides, is located 45 kilometers northeast of Gilgit city. This valley, like many in Gilgit Baltistan, is frequently impacted by seasonal flooding, which can disrupt agriculture and livestock activities. The valley is home to 16 villages, and while many young people leave to seek employment in other regions, farming remains a critical livelihood for the majority of the population. Asghar’s success is not just a personal success; it offers a new way forward for local agriculture, providing an alternative to the vulnerabilities brought on by climate change and environmental challenges.

“The vegetables from Muhammad Asghar’s greenhouse are fresh, healthier, and high in demand. They’ve set a new standard for quality in our local market.” Aqil Hussain (Vendor)

Economic Gains and Future Prospects

Last season, Muhammad Asghar earned over 50,000 PKR by selling surplus vegetables from his greenhouse at the local market. Encouraged by this success, he is already making plans to further increase his productivity in the upcoming seasons. Asghar is confident that with proper planning and hard work, he will be able to surpass last year’s earnings. He also plans to expand the range of crops and fruits he cultivates, building on his current collection of pears, apricots, walnuts, almonds, and other fruits. With a focus on organic farming and sustainability, Asghar is positioning himself as a leader in his community, not only improving his own livelihood but also inspiring others to take advantage of similar opportunities.

Gratitude and Hope for the Future

Muhammad Asghar expresses deep gratitude to the Snow Leopard Foundation for their support and trust. “I am deeply grateful to the Snow Leopard Foundation for trusting me and building this greenhouse right outside my home. I am proud that I have lived up to their expectations, worked hard to make this project successful, and, in the process, set an example for the entire village and surrounding areas,” he says. Asghar’s story is a powerful evidence to how innovation, dedication, and community support can transform lives and pave the way for broader economic and social progress. Through his hard work and the opportunities provided by SLF, Muhammad Asghar has not only improved his own livelihood but has also set a new standard for agricultural development in Bagrote Valley.

SLF’s Greenhouse Initiative is part of a larger effort to support sustainable agriculture and empower communities across Gilgit Baltistan. By providing resources and knowledge, SLF enables individuals like Muhammad Asghar to enhance food security, improve livelihoods, and inspire broader adoption of eco-friendly farming practices, contributing to both economic growth and environmental conservation. This initiative underscores SLF’s commitment to fostering resilience and sustainability in vulnerable mountain communities.

(This success story is written and compiled by Mamtaz Gohar, Communication Coordinator, SLF)