Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. JAMMU: The scientific intervention aimed at enhancing the commercial potential of Jammu's GI-tagged Kaladi Cheese is a major socio-economic opportunity for the region, stated Dr. Pardeep Mahotra, Media Incharge, J&K BJP, and called for sustained efforts to strengthen the market presence of indigenous products of Jammu.
Referring to the initiative undertaken by CSIR-IIIM Jammu in collaboration with CSIR-CFTRI Mysuru, Dr. Pardeep said that extending the refrigerated shelf life of Kaladi Cheese up to 21 days while preserving its quality and nutritional value could prove to be a game changer for thousands of families associated with the traditional dairy ecosystem.
"Kaladi is much more than a local delicacy. It represents Jammu's cultural identity and serves as a source of livelihood for dairy farmers, traditional producers, vendors and small entrepreneurs. One of the biggest challenges before Kaladi producers has been its limited shelf life, restricting its reach beyond local markets. Scientific support has now opened new possibilities for wider distribution and better economic returns," Dr. Pardeep said.
Dr. Pardeep stressed that indigenous products require technological backing, quality assurance, modern packaging and strong market linkages to realize their true economic potential. He noted that improving the commercial viability of products like Kaladi would generate employment, reduce post-production losses, encourage entrepreneurship among rural youth and women, and strengthen the local economy. He said that the next phase of developing commercially scalable formats suitable for organized retail and hospitality sectors could establish Kaladi as a recognized culinary identity of Jammu across the country.
Dr. Pardeep further said that this initiative, undertaken under the guidance of Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh, aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of leveraging traditional knowledge for economic growth and rural empowerment. Calling it a practical example of the "Vocal for Local" and "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" approach, he said that preserving traditional products and equipping them with modern scientific interventions must go hand in hand.
"Every successful indigenous enterprise creates a chain of economic benefits extending from the producer to the marketplace. Strengthening Jammu's local products is not only about protecting heritage; it is about creating sustainable livelihoods and building a more self-reliant regional economy," Dr. Pardeep added.