GI Tag Conferred to Rajouri Chikri Wood Craft and Mushqbudji Rice in Jammu & Kashmir

The meticulous process for the GI Tagging of these exceptional products was initiated by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), in collaboration with the Department of Handicrafts & Handloom and the Department of Agriculture, back in December 2020 amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, reports Daily Good Morning Kashmir.

Following an exhaustive legal process, the GI tags have been accorded to these two exceptional products, marking a notable achievement.

Chikri, a delicate and honey-colored fine-grained soft wood, is sourced from the picturesque hill ranges of Rajouri district in the Jammu province. The intricate woodcraft of Rajouri, known for its detailed and elaborate carvings, has now received the deserved recognition through the GI Tag.

Equally deserving, Mushqbudji Rice, a premium variety of short, bold, and aromatic rice, thrives in the elevated regions of the Kashmir valley, particularly within Anantnag district. The cooked Mushqbudji Rice boasts a distinct and harmonious blend of flavor, aroma, and rich organoleptic attributes, adding to its uniqueness.

Bhallamudi Sridhar, Chief General Manager of NABARD, expressed his gratitude towards the pertinent departments of the Union Territory government and conveyed his congratulations to all the GI applicant organizations.

He further revealed that earlier this year in March, Basohli Painting of Kathua and Ladakh Wood Carving of Ladakh were also bestowed with GI Tags under NABARD's support. In closing, he divulged that an additional five products from Jammu & Kashmir are presently in the final stages of securing the coveted GI Tag.