Jammu News Desk !!! A new era is being seen in the cultural and economic identity of Jammu and Kashmir. After 2019, due to the efforts of the central government, many products of Jammu have received Geographical Indication (GI) tags, giving global recognition to the local heritage and promoting economic progress. These products have not only retained their uniqueness but have also made a splash in the international markets.
Kathua-Basohli Painting and Pashmina: Revival of Art
Basohli paintings and pashmina of Kathua have revived its ancient art. The colourful and intricate designs of Basohli paintings have gained new recognition across the country. The GI tag has given this art recognition in local and international markets. Basohli pashmina is famous for its extreme softness, beauty and feather-lightness. Basohli pashmina art got the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2023. The GI tag is an official recognition of the unique geographical identity and qualities of the product. Department of Industries and Commerce, NABARD Jammu and Manav Kalyan Sangh, Varanasi collaborated in providing GI tag to Basohli pashmina. The world famous Basohli painting got the GI tag on 31 March 2023. Rajeshwar Singh, an artist, says, “Basohli painting is now widely appreciated, which has increased the appreciation of our art. Now we are also training new artists, so that this heritage can be preserved.” Similarly, according to Pashmina weaver Anjana Devi, “Earlier our hard work was not given due importance, but the GI tag has given recognition to our hard work. We are more proud of our art than ever before.”
Bhaderwah-Rajma: New identity of farming
Bhaderwah Rajma, a type of red kidney bean, got the GI tag in 2023. The tag was awarded with the help of NABARD to give global recognition to this popular regional product. Bhaderwah’s Rajma is now making its mark not only in the local but also in the national and international markets. Due to the uniqueness and quality of the rajma, it has received the GI tag, which has brought more benefits to the farmers. Sumer Chand, an experienced farmer, says, “Our Rajma ki Mithai is now becoming famous everywhere. The GI tag has given us an opportunity to get ahead of even the local traders.” Shanta Devi, who has been farming for many years, says, “This GI tag has given us the recognition we were waiting for a long time. Now there is a big difference in the price of our crops.”
Rajouri-Chikri Wood Art: Rediscovering the Heritage
The Chicory wood art of Rajouri, which was in the dark for years, is now reviving thanks to the GI tag. Known for its intricate and intricate designs, this traditional craft is now making its way to global markets. The GI tag process for chicory craft began in December 2020, when the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) recognized the product as unique. In 2021, this craft received a tag, a type of intellectual property right that protects the origin of products and their characteristics. It prevents unauthorized use by third parties, which can help boost exports and promote brands internationally. Vinod Thakur, dedicated to this art, says, “The GI tag has given us new energy. Now our products are being appreciated everywhere and our income has also increased.” Renu Bano, a female artisan, says, “Chikri art is no longer just a job, it has become our identity. This has greatly improved the financial condition of our family.”
Known for its unique taste, aroma and sweetness, Ramban honey is a precious heritage of the region. It is also known as Sulai honey and is highly nutritious with powerful antioxidant and immunity-boosting properties. This honey is produced from the white flowers of Sulai between August and October, when the bees depend on the nectar of these flowers. Its taste is rich with natural sweetness and mild floral flavour. In collaboration with NABARD, this unique honey got the GI tag in 2021. The GI tag ensures the quality and authenticity of this honey. Beekeeper Prem Singh proudly says, “Our honey is now reaching big cities. The GI tag has given it recognition, so we are getting better prices.” Entrepreneur Kiran Sharma explains, “There is no compromise in the quality of honey. We deliver it directly to the customers and now we have access to bigger markets.”
In January 2024, APEDA granted the first GI tag for Basmati rice in Jammu and Kashmir to Sarveshwar Foods Limited. This company is the first and only company in the region to get the GI tag for Basmati rice for export. The Basmati rice of RS Pura is famous for its distinctive aroma and long grains. The GI tag has not only brought more profits to the farmers of this region but has also given them global recognition. Sarveshwar Foods Limited is the first company to get this GI tag for Basmati rice in Jammu and Kashmir. Gurmeet Singh, who has been cultivating Basmati for a long time, says, “The international demand for our rice has increased and all the credit goes to the GI tag.” Local farmer Manju Devi is very happy with this initiative. She says, “Now our income has increased significantly from the sale of Basmati rice. This is the true recognition of our hard work.” But that’s not all, after a lot of efforts, many products of Jammu have got the GI tag. The Government of India is still not tired. They are constantly trying to add more products to this list like lavender and saffron, although these products are already quite popular.
Kaladi, found in the streets of Udhampur, is no longer just a street food but has become an identity of Dogra culture. The GI tag has taken this cheese to a new dimension. Kaladi dairy products got the GI tag in 2023. Kaladi cheese is a traditional product of Udhampur and is made from raw full-fat milk. It is similar to the Indian version of mozzarella cheese and is very popular in Udhampur and Jammu districts. Sarla Devi, who has been making Kaladi for years, says, “People now come from far and wide to taste it. Earlier we thought of selling only in the local market, but the GI tag has made it global.” Ranjit Thakur, a seller, says, “Now our Kaladi is being sold in different corners of the country. It is the most delicious example of Dogra culture.”
Kishtwar saffron was earlier seen as a rival of Kashmir saffron, but now it has made its own identity and is considered much better. The demand for this valuable crop has increased a lot and farmers are proudly selling it in international markets. Although Kishtwar saffron has not yet received the GI tag, its growing popularity and demand have increased the hopes of getting the GI tag. At present, the saffron trade is growing and its price is also increasing. Saffron farmer Dharam Singh says, “Earlier we did not get a fair price for saffron, but now its trade has increased and the value of our crop has increased.” Reena Devi, who grows saffron in her fields, says, “Our saffron is now considered better than Kashmir saffron. It is the most precious resource in our lives and we are now getting more respect.”
Lavender cultivation in Bhaderwah has opened up new economic opportunities in the region. Essential oils and beauty products prepared from this aromatic plant are becoming popular not only in India but also abroad. However, this product has not yet received a GI tag, but the government is planning to give it a GI tag soon. Government initiatives like Aroma Mission and Purple Revolution are promoting the development of this region and global recognition of this product. Mira Devi, who cultivates lavender, says, “Earlier this crop was considered very small, but now it has got recognition. It is giving us economic freedom.” Businessman Rahul Sharma says, “Products made from lavender are now being used in many big brands. It is a matter of pride for our region.” GI tags have given new identity and prosperity to various regions of Jammu. These tags have not only preserved the local heritage but also brought economic improvement in the lives of local people. Jammu products are now getting international recognition and this is also improving the cultural and economic condition of the region.