Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State, envisions a brighter future for ‘Kaladi’, Udhampur’s GI-protected dairy gem. Directing a collaborative scientific push, he aims to amplify its production for versatile recipes while fiercely guarding its traditional flavor, nutrition, and texture.
The ‘One District One Product’ vision targets value addition and shelf-life extension to unlock national and global markets. ‘Its fleeting freshness is the barrier; science must bridge it without altering its soul,’ Dr. Singh declared.
In talks with CFTRI Mysuru’s Dr. Giridhar Parvatam and IIIM Jammu’s Dr. Jabeer Ahmad, he set timelines: preliminary insights shortly, detailed analysis in six months. Emphasis was on retaining the soft, stretchable qualities that liken it to ‘Jammu’s Mozzarella’.
Since earning GI tag, full-fat milk-based Kaladi has fueled rural employment in Jammu and Kashmir. Now, traditional methods from across regions will be archived and refined for mass production.
This forward-thinking strategy not only promises economic upliftment but also positions Kaladi as an innovative ingredient, blending age-old wisdom with modern food tech for a flavorful tomorrow.