Even as the once-dominant agriculture sector’s contribution to the GSDP has plummeted to 18.25 per cent, the recent Agricultural Technology event hosted by SKUAST-K highlighted both the transformations and challenges shaping the industry. Showcasing innovations ranging from climate-resilient crops to AI-driven farming tools, the exhibition underscored Kashmir’s potential to lead an agricultural revolution while tackling climate change and resource scarcity, reports Ibtisam Fayaz Khan
For Dr Mudasir Ahmad Mir, a resident of Kashmir’s Saffron producing belt, the perpetual enigma was how the people make adulterations in the key produce that has now dwindled to less than Rs 300 crore a year. Mixing low-cost Iranian imports and repackaging it as Kashmir Saffron was hugely plausible and a grand market trick, but “creating” fake Saffron was a mystery.
As Mir moved from school mats to college desks to university benches and finally landed in the ‘cosy’ university chair as an Assistant Professor at SKUAST-K’s Division of Plant Biotechnology, the puzzle remained. While it was very challenging for him to pick the art from ‘artificial Saffron makers, ’ mostly living in Srinagar, he decided to create a mechanism that will help detect the fake from the real.
The world’s costliest spice, Saffron, has long been plagued by adulteration, leaving consumers and traders struggling to distinguish genuine strands from counterfeit ones. To address this, Mir developed the world’s first Fake Saffron Detector, an innovation designed to protect the integrity of this prized commodity.
Dr Mir’s research spanned several years and culminated in a Biotech Ignition Grant of Rs 50 lakh. His work revealed how counterfeit saffron strands are artificially coloured using textile dyes to mislead buyers. His goal, he said, is to restore trust in the saffron trade, strengthen the local economy, and protect both consumers and tourists from fraudulent products.
The detector comes in two models: a high-capacity version for major retailers, exporters, and importers, capable of analysing seven samples at once; and a compact model tailored for small-scale businesses and local saffron dealers, designed to test two samples at a time.
With SKUAST-K’s leadership supporting the initiative, the device is expected to be available by the fall of 2025. At Rs 2,000, it is a one-time investment, requiring only periodic replacement of testing strips. Dr Mir believes the technology will revolutionise saffron authentication and uphold market standards.
A Huge Show
Mir was one of around 400 people who had put their agriculture-related innovations and products on display at the just-concluded 3-day Agri-Tech Mela of the SKUAT-K. A hugely participated event, the erstwhile Kisan Mela is emerging as a yearly festival for the vast demography of the apple growers, peasantry and passionate courtyard farmers. It is a show offering a window to the fascinating innovations, sustainability, and resilience in Kashmir’s agriculture. Managers said the fair drew an unprecedented 60,000 visitors, including farmers, agripreneurs (an entrepreneur who runs an agricultural business or a business related to agriculture), researchers, students, and policymakers. The scale of participation reflected a growing recognition of the role modern technology and policy reform must play in sustaining Kashmir’s agrarian economy.
The tenth edition of the fair indicates the shifts and interventions that the sector has undergone in the last decade. While the percentage contributions of the once-dominant primary sector has nose dived to 18.25 percent in 2023-24, the shifts and the changes have been phenomenal. The era witnessed the gradual fall in paddy cultivation but a massive jump into high-density fruit production. It also witnessed massive changes in post-harvest technology and traditions.
Interestingly, the era also witnessed a massive jump in the status and capacity of the SKUAST-K. Now one of the top agricultural universities in India, SKUAST-K is ranked fifth in agriculture, first in innovation, and tenth among all universities in India. With its campus spread across Kashmir (Its Jammu operations were converted into a separate university, the SKUAST-J), its scientists have worked phenomenally to make their presence felt. The university now has 52 patents and 55 start-ups. Under the new scheme, central government funds, innovators, and discoverers in agriculture get enough funds to create on-campus start-ups along with their students. This gives the SKUAST-K faculty a status that they can own companies while they teach, research, and guide the scholars.
DNA Extractor
Dr Mir is one of those academicians who is engaged in all three activities. He is a researcher, a teacher and a person who owns a start-up, too. At Safa Biotech Pvt Ltd, he has not only created the prototype of the fake saffron detector but also a great innovation – a Quick DNA Extraction Kit.
This kit is not required for people but is anticipated to be a great aid for laboratories tackling cells across the world. The biggest challenge that all laboratories have is to extract the DNA from the cell nucleus. “WE have solutions for that, but invariably, it was seen that the extracted DNA took a lot of time, and it would look damaged in most of the cases,” Mir said. “The chemicals used for the process were imported and hugely expensive. Our chemical and our process is environment friendly, cheap, delivers results quickly and the DNA is invariably complete.”
DNA has been and will remain the core of life. As modern genetics shifts its attention to the core of these life-making strands, the world is gradually moving towards a phase when people visiting their doctors will carry their DNA samples along. Personalised medicines are very soon going to be manufactured based on the genome of the patient. Mir’s kit simplifies the procedure, enabling the extraction of up to 100 DNA samples efficiently, significantly reducing research time.
Berry Scholar
In the dense forests of Shankaracharya, Tangmarg, Kangan, Doda, and Gulmarg, wild Rubus berries grow in abundance. Rich in antioxidants and bioactive compounds, these berries have long been overlooked, left to wither due to a lack of awareness. Naseh Nisar, a PhD student in food science and technology at SKUAST-K, saw potential where others saw waste.
She founded Frubus, a start-up that processes these highly perishable berries into value-added products. Her approach follows a simple but powerful principle: turning waste into wealth. Using minimal processing and no preservatives, Frubus extends the shelf life of these berries to six months. Although sugar is currently used in production, Naseh is actively seeking healthier alternatives.
Frubus is not merely a business; it is a source of livelihood. What was once an ignored seasonal surplus is now a means of income for tribal communities, who sell their harvests directly to her. Initially, she financed the berry procurement from her savings, but a grant from the National Agricultural Higher Education Project (NAHEP) enabled her to expand operations.
Her parents remain her strongest support, helping with packaging and sharing her belief in Frubus’ potential. “Once I complete my PhD, my entire focus will be on this venture,” a determined Naseh said. She credits much of Frubus’ success to her mentor, Professor Sajad Mohammad Wani, whose guidance shaped the start-up into a venture that is repositioning Kashmir’s natural resources for the global market.
FAIM Farms
Arafat Rasool, an MBA agribusiness student, is redefining health-foods with FAIM Farms, a walnut-based spread enterprise in Handwara. His journey began with a personal fitness goal—increasing his weight to 90kg—leading him to explore protein-rich alternatives. “Walnuts contain 4.3 grams of protein per ounce and 33 per cent more omega-3 than peanuts. Research shows they are a far healthier option,” he said.
Sourced from FAIM Farms’ produce and fortified with vitamin E, the spreads offer twice the nutritional value of peanut butter and cater to those with peanut allergies. The product comes in two flavours: chocolate and ‘NUTTA’—a blend of walnuts, peanuts, and chocolate. Arafat avoids refined sugar, using acacia honey instead. “If I add sugar, it defeats the purpose of a fitness product,” he said.
Balancing his studies and business, Arafat is involved in every aspect, from product development to packaging. “People confuse business with salesmanship. To me, it is about managing time,” he said. Working from a rented facility, FAIM Farms has designated workspaces for his team, which includes Raja Suhaib, a pathology postgraduate, and Mohammad Faizan, an entomology specialist.
Initial funding came from a NAHEP (National Agricultural Higher Education Project) seed grant, followed by personal reinvestment to scale up production. The spreads are stocked at Pick and Choose Bhagat, 7/11, and 99 Legacies Handwara. Even before national expansion, demand has already outstripped supply.
Although he is the sole founder, FAIM Farms’ name is derived from the initials of friends who contributed to its early development. Coincidentally, ‘FAIM’ also means ‘hunger’ in French—an apt reflection of his vision for transforming healthy eating. With plans to introduce mushroom and sprout-based spreads, FAIM Farms is set to become a key player in Kashmir’s health food sector.
Gen Next Innovations
The Mela had a complete street that showcased a wave of agricultural innovation, bringing together students, entrepreneurs, and researchers. Experts highlighted the region’s untapped potential. Dr Arshid Hussain from the Faculty of Forestry, Ganderbal, observed that people were beginning to appreciate Kashmir’s raw produce. He also noted the growing engagement of young people in the sector.
Initiatives such as the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) are drawing attention to value-added products, including lavender-based items such as creams, oils, and sleep sachets. Reflecting a shift towards crop diversification, SKUAST-K is expanding its seed stock to include less conventional varieties such as broccoli and red capsicum.
The Department of Food Science and Technology presented a range of nutrition-focused processed foods, including millet kalari, berry muffins, mango muffins, and buckwheat-based bakery products.
A Sensor-Equipped Drone
Syed Fakiha, an MTech AI student at IUST, and Simran Altaf, a BTech graduate in electrical engineering from the University of Kashmir, have developed a drone-based sensing system designed to collect real-time data on soil conditions and crop nutrition.
Equipped with sensor pods, the drone releases them into fields to analyse key variables, transmitting data to a base station via an application. Farmers can use this technology to determine precise fertiliser and nutrient requirements, reducing reliance on conventional laboratory testing, which is often slow and inefficient.
Originally developed as a final-year BTech project, the device was recognised and supported by SKUAST’s Innovation, Incubation, and Entrepreneurship Centre, which provided a Rs 5.5 lakh grant to refine the technology.
Reinventing Kashmiri Beverages
Dr Saima Paul, a food innovation specialist at SKUAST-K and the founder of Noonley, is reshaping the way Kashmir enjoys its traditional drinks. She first introduced Noonley Instant Noon Chai Bags, a product that simplified the preparation of the time-intensive Kashmiri salt tea. Now, she has turned her attention to kehwa with an innovation— Kashmiri Apple Kehwa.
“A significant quantity of Kashmiri apples is rejected in the market due to minor imperfections,” Dr Paul explained the inspiration behind her venture. “Yet these apples remain rich in flavour and nutrients. Rather than discarding them, we carefully inspect, clean, and convert them into fine apple powder.”
By integrating this apple powder into kehwa, she has created a beverage that combines the natural sweetness and nutritional benefits of apples with the traditional warmth of saffron-infused tea. “It is about using resources wisely,” she said. “With Noonley, we made Noon Chai instant and accessible. Now, with Kashmiri Apple Kehwa , we are offering a healthier alternative while reducing food waste.”
Iqbal Group
In a quiet corner of Kashmir, two brothers are redefining agriculture. Haji Abdul Rashid, a 62-year-old farmer-turned-entrepreneur, and his younger brother, Dr Masarat Iqbal, a scientist, run the Kashmir’s first tissue culture laboratory under their company, Iqbal Group Pvt. Ltd.
Their lab merges scientific precision with sustainability. “We grow plants through tissue culture to ensure they are healthy and virus-free,” Dr Masarat said. Their work, spanning walnut and stone fruit cultivation, enhances both the quality and longevity of Kashmir’s orchards. Their business extends beyond farming. Through Kashmir Aroma, a related venture, they produce paraben-free soaps, apple cider vinegar, and honey from 300 beehives.
Haji Abdul Rashid’s journey has been marked by resilience. “There was a time when I struggled to feed my family. Today, I employ about 30 people—scientists, SKUAST graduates, and even widows, whom I support year-round,” he said. His latest breakthrough is a tomato plant that has yielded 2.5 quintals annually for 20 years.
At 62, he has no plans to slow down. “I do not want to rest. I want to keep working,” he said. With every innovation, it becomes clear that the Iqbal Group is not only preserving Kashmir’s agricultural legacy but redefining it.
The Willow Hub
Amid the high-tech displays at the festival, a stall from the Department of Handloom and Handicrafts stood apart. It was not about machinery or automation but about legacy—reimagined for the modern world.
Peer Mehrajudin, a craftsman from Peerpoor, Ganderbal, stood behind a display of handbags, clocks, and finely crafted willow goods. His long white beard and composed demeanour reflected both experience and artistry. At Willow Hub, the workshop he runs, he is reshaping a centuries-old craft.
For years, willow weaving in Kashmir was largely confined to baskets and cricket bats. At the mela, Mehrajudin’s designs—blending tradition with function—attracted attention. By the second day, his booth had drawn a steady stream of visitors and buyers.
Back in Ganderbal, his work continues. In his hands, Kashmir’s willow craft is not merely being preserved; it is evolving, bridging heritage with reinvention.
Italian Rootstocks
At yet another stall, Golden Agrisense demonstrated its efforts to transform Kashmir’s apple industry. In collaboration with Nischler George & Co. in Italy, the company is introducing Italian rootstocks and high-density orchard development, combining global expertise with Kashmir’s fertile soil to enhance apple production and sustainability.
From planting and irrigation to pruning and harvesting, two general managers from different districts outlined the company’s comprehensive approach. Through its Corporate Contract Farming Initiative, it is also helping local landowners transition to commercial apple farming with assured returns.
The introduction of Italian agricultural technology is reshaping orchard management, raising both yields and fruit quality, and positioning Kashmir’s apple industry for long-term growth.
Cashmir Herbal Innovation
Concerned by the widespread presence of harmful chemicals in everyday products, Dr Shaista Khan, a researcher at SKUAST-Kashmir, founded Cashmir Herbal Innovations in February 2024. “From food to personal care items, artificial dyes, chemical preservatives, and even carcinogenic substances have become common, raising serious health concerns,” she said.
Drawing on her expertise in ethnomedicine and phytochemistry, she initially focused on oral hygiene, developing Herbodyne, a natural toothpaste free of sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and other harmful additives. Her initiative gained momentum when she won a Rs 5 lakh grant at the MANAGE Hyderabad national-level competition and participated in the RKVY Raftaar programme in 2023. Encouraged by this success, she expanded her product line to include soaps, face washes, and hand cleansers, all formulated without the harsh foaming agents found even in products marketed as “herbal.”
Beyond personal care, her company offers herbal cosmetics, including kajal, lip balm, and surma (kohl). Dr Shaista highlighted concerns over commercial surma, which has been linked to high lead toxicity and an increased risk of miscarriage in pregnant women. “Our surma is made from safe, herbal ingredients known for their soothing and beneficial properties,” she said.
Committed to affordability, she has priced her herbal kajal at Rs 50, a fraction of the Rs 950 charged by major brands. Every product undergoes rigorous testing at SKUAST-K laboratories before being verified by NABL-certified labs to ensure safety and efficacy.
Despite being a young company, Cashmir Herbal Innovations has already developed a loyal customer base. “The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Many of our customers return for more,” Dr Shaista said. As her team scales up production, the focus remains on providing safe, organic alternatives for everyday use.
Serikon Innovations
Sericulture produces vast amounts of industrial waste, particularly sericin, a silk protein that contaminates water bodies and the environment. Dr Abid Khaliq Tantray, Assistant Professor, Junior Scientist, and Director of Serikon Innovations, is leading an effort to repurpose this waste into high-value skincare products under the brand Pro Silk.
Sericin, a protein extracted from silkworm cocoons, has long been recognised for its skincare benefits. Classified as GRAS (Generally Recognised as Safe), it is scientifically validated for human use. Serikon Innovations has developed a process to convert sericin into a range of organic, skin-friendly products, all of which are lab-tested and NABL-certified. It has many products in its basket.
Premium soap infused with sericin, acting as a natural anti-tyrosinase agent to reduce tanning, exfoliate dead skin, and promote renewal. Serums made from underutilised mulberry fruits and sericin provide a potent antioxidant boost. Scrubs that are completely free of sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) ensure a gentle yet effective cleanse. Shower Gels are scientifically formulated to nourish the skin while offering protective benefits.
“We create the formula and hand it over to the students,” Dr Tantray said, highlighting the involvement of young researchers in product development. He added that Pro Silk products are priced at Rs 130, though their international market value could be four times higher due to the global demand for organic skin care. His team, which includes Syed Danish, Zubair ul Islam, and Uzma Yousuf, are working to expand access to these innovations while addressing environmental concerns.
The Silent Blaze
This winter, Jammu and Kashmir experienced an unusual dryness. The snow that should have blanketed the mountains had vanished. In its absence, an unexpected menace took hold: fire. Traditionally associated with hot summers, forest fires have now begun to spread through the region’s coldest months.
Between December and February, flames consumed vast stretches of Kashmir’s forests, reducing swathes of its prized “green gold” to ash. Data reveal that 23 percent of Jammu and Kashmir’s tree cover has been lost over the past two decades. In 2004, fires destroyed 240 hectares of forest— the highest recorded loss. Rajouri remains the worst-affected district, suffering an annual loss of approximately eight hectares.
While such fires are not new, their increasing frequency in winter signals a dangerous shift. Rising temperatures, prolonged dry spells, and the absence of moisture have made the forests highly susceptible, creating a cycle of destruction that is difficult to control.
Animal Feeds
“Our KashVetstart-up has a monthly turnover of one crore rupees,” VC SKUAST-K, Prof Nazir AGanai said. “It produces livestock feed developed by our scientists to address the specific nutritional needs of cattle in the region.”
The university’s division of Animal Nutrition formulated the feed to enhance milk production, improve fertility, and boost overall profitability for dairy farmers. The feed is produced and marketed under KashVet Innovations Pvt Limited (KIPL), a faculty startup.
Dr Parvaiz Ahmed Reshi, Assistant Professor of Animal Nutrition and Director of KIPL, said their products are designed to optimise milk, meat, and fertility, ensuring maximum returns for farmers.
Wonder Foods
After Dr Khalid Zaffar Masoodi flew home from an American university, he remained busy in research and scanned several Kashmir plants for medicinal properties. His research, funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), led to the identification of 16 anti-cancer molecules from approximately 400 medicinal herbs and crops, with five derived from underutilized edible plants traditionally consumed in Kashmir. Knowing fully well that pushing the molecules towards a medicine is too long. Instead, his laboratory started creating food supplements through the start-up, Cashmir Biotech Pvt Ltd.
His laboratory’s Magic Food is a plant-based functional food designed to combat prostate-related health issues. It contains the anticancer molecule TaxO, which targets the Androgen Receptor—a key gene in prostate cancer progression. Clinical validations have demonstrated its effectiveness in alleviating symptoms associated with Prostate Cancer, Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BHP), and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS). “Right now, we are exporting these food supplement,” VC said. “This laboratory has created several other food supplements including the iron supplements special for women.”
Challenges Remain
Prof Ganai, whose services as VC were extended recently, admitted that the challenges remain for the SKUAST-K scientists. The biggest issue is the shrinkage of the land resource. Kashmir is losing per family land resource with new generations inheriting petty patches, which cannot sustain livelihoods.
“This is a huge challenge,” Prof Ganai said. “At a time when we have robust science in place, our landholdings are dwindling. But the technology is going to help manage this challenge. In coming years, Kashmir will get into vertical agriculture, and the process has begun.”
