Vehari's Lone Female Farmer
A look into the inspiring decade-long journey of Almas Parveen, an independent female farmer from Vehari, who defied norms to cultivate her passion and expertise in agriculture.
Landscape shot of the fields, in Vehari (2023)SOCH Outreach Foundation
Venture into Vehari
Vehari is an agricultural center located in Punjab, on the right bank of the River Sutlej, about 100 km from the city of Multan. The main spoken languages in the district are Punjabi & Seraiki. Vehari’s pastoral land is famous for its cotton, sugarcane and mangoes.
Sowing the Seeds to Success: The Story of Almas Parveen
Almas Parveen has been an independent female farmer in Vehari for the past ten years. She developed a passion for farming in her childhood and pursued her father's agricultural practice. Her professional training has allowed her to grow crops and operate machinery on her farm.
Mastering tractors and intricate machinery, Almas cultivates her farm with finesse, deftly plowing fields and optimizing irrigation. Utilizing these tools to propel her farm's growth, she's now paying it forward by teaching fellow farmers the art of tractor operation. Her skills not only enhance productivity but also inspire a new generation of capable farmers.
Vehari's Lone Female Farmer (2023)SOCH Outreach Foundation
Watch our film on Almas Parveen's inspiring story.
Almas seen giving a lecture, in Vehari (2023)SOCH Outreach Foundation
With the support of her husband, Almas manages her farm and has acquired training as a Field Facilitator. She now trains young men and women in sustainable agricultural practices for farming.
Almas seen tutoring other women, in Vehari (2023)SOCH Outreach Foundation
Through her perseverance, Almas has overcome the conventional barriers many women face. She has helped establish a primary school in her village and talks to young girls at school about the prospects of being a cotton farmer, encouraging their independence.
Almas firmly believes that women too can accomplish the same tasks as men and that society should aim to progress towards equality in all aspects of life.
Almas playing with rose flowers, in Vehari (2023)SOCH Outreach Foundation
Almas has high hopes for the future of women in cotton farming and agriculture. She continues to be an inspiration for girls in her village and empowers women across Pakistan with her story.
Aside from working diligently on her farm, Almas also dedicates herself to her family and takes care of them.
Plating shot after process of cooking halwa, in Vehari (2023)SOCH Outreach Foundation
Semolina and Wheat Pudding (Kasaar)
Halwa is a staple dessert in every Pakistani household; a dish best suited to mark celebrations, festivities or even just a Sunday morning breakfast. This wheat halwa, one of Almas' traditional recipes, is rich in ghee, raisins and dried coconut, giving it an unusual texture.
Semolina and Wheat Pudding (2023)SOCH Outreach Foundation
Step 1: Heat ghee (oil) and flour in a pot and mix.
Step 2: Add sooji (semolina) and lightly roast till the mixture changes color.
Step 3: Add sugar and water to a pot, and boil until a thick syrup is produced
Step 4: Add some desiccated coconut along with the roasted the semolina-flour mixture back into the syrup, and cook until the liquid is absorbed.
Step 5: Once the ghee is visible on top of the mixture, garnish with sliced nuts, coconut and raisins.
Kasaar is ready to be served.
Almas holding cooked, plated halwa after process of cooking halwa, in Vehari (2023)SOCH Outreach Foundation
Almas with her home-cooked wheat halwa.
Produced by SOC Films
Creative Director: Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy
Producer: Sameer Khan, Huma Shah
Associate Producer: Sara Sharif
Research Associate: Sara Sharif
Project Manager: Quratulain Khalid
DOP: Khurram Victor
Photography: Shoaib Tariq
Photography Editor: Shoaib Tariq
First Camera: Khurram Victor
Second Camera: Soha Anwar
Exhibit Writers: Samar Ather
Exhibits: Sameer Nazim
Video Editor: Jason Liao, Azeem Charania
Colour Grade: Jason Liao, Azeem Charania
Sound Design: Sameer Khan
