Early Times Report
jammu, Dec 12: With an aim to promote Kashmiri Saffron in West Asia, the J&K administration has launched the spice in the UAE market for the first time but nothing has been done to popularize Basmati of Jammu and Rajmash of Bhaderwah.
Basmati growers were hoping that authorities would popularize the unique rice of Jammu in the international market but all their hopes have been dashed.
Although Basmati produced in Jammu is unique to its rich aroma and taste, nothing concrete has been done so far to sell it in the international market. Except promises authorities have failed to formulate a comprehensive policy to promote Basmati in the international market.
Belts of R S Pura and Bishnah are known for producing world class traditional Basmati rice but producers of this Basmati are demanding a comprehensive marketing policy.
It is estimated that rice is cultivated over 35,000 hectares in Jammu off which Basmati is grown over 30,000 hectares. Basmati varieties like 370, Sugandha, Sanwal Basmati, Ranbir Basmati , RR-564 , Pusa no.1, Pusa Basmati 1121 are grown in Jammu along the International Border (IB) with Pakistan.
Three days back, Saffron from Kashmir was launched in Dubai. Recently the same Saffron had recently received the geographical indication (GI) tag. |
