Seven J&K Products Secure GI Tag, 20 More in Pipeline
Agriculture Universities Register 164 Patents
Srinagar, Feb 15, KNT: In a significant boost to the agricultural and traditional produce sector of Jammu and Kashmir, seven products from the Union Territory have been awarded Geographical Indication, or GI, tags, strengthening their legal protection and market identity.
The products that have secured GI recognition include Sulai Honey from Ramban, Bhaderwah Rajmash, Kaladi of Udhampur–Ramnagar, Basmati Rice from Jammu, Ramban Anardana, Mushqbudji Rice, and the internationally acclaimed Kashmir Saffron.
Officials said that the GI tagging will help protect these region-specific products from imitation and misuse, while enhancing their branding and export potential. The certification formally acknowledges the unique geographical origin and traditional cultivation practices associated with these products.
In addition to the seven recognized items, around 20 more crops and products from Jammu and Kashmir are currently in the pipeline for GI registration, reflecting a focused push towards safeguarding indigenous varieties and boosting farmer incomes.
Meanwhile, Agriculture Universities of Jammu and Kashmir, including SKUAST–Jammu and SKUAST–Kashmir, have registered a total of 164 patents, marking progress in research, innovation, and agricultural technology development in the region.
Officials described the developments as a major step towards strengthening intellectual property rights in the agriculture and allied sectors, with an emphasis on value addition and global competitiveness. [KNT]
© Kashmir News Trust (KNT). Unauthorized use without attribution is prohibited.
![PCC Asks DC Pulwama to Shut Down Illegal Brick Kilns, 18 Brick Kilns Face Regulatory Violations, 7 Listed Without Consent Pulwama, Aug 8, KNT: Pollution Control Committee has asked Deputy Commissioner to shut down illegal brick kilns in South Kashmir's Pulwama district. The latest status of brick kilns operating in south Kashmir's Pulwama district has revealed serious regulatory concerns, with 18 units listed either without consent, with expired Consent to Operate (CTO), or under a “Refused” status. The status details show that seven brick kilns are listed as operating “Without consent”, indicating that the units do not have the required regulatory consent to operate. The seven units are Dar Brick Kiln (415) at Alliepora Shahoora, LBK changed into Bhat Brick Kiln (151) at Nownagri Pulwama, Kamran Brick Kiln 777 at Parigam Newa, Budshah Brick Kiln at Audoora Pulwama, JKB Sanzan (151) at Astapora Sanzan, 417 Brick Kiln changed into 7HH at Achan Litter Pulwama, and Five Star Brick Kiln at Wahipora Pulwama. The list further shows eight brick kilns with expired CTOs, meaning their consent to operate has lapsed. These include Hilal Brick Kiln, Allie Brick Kiln, Bashir Ahmad Magray, Sunflower Brick Kiln, Jalal Brick Kiln, Magray Brick Kiln, Thoker Brick Kiln (A-No) and Shahoorа Brick Kiln (ATM). Another three units have been marked “Refused” in the consent status. These are Mir Brick Kiln at Hastikhud Zadoora Newa, Gulmour Brick Kiln at Tumchinowpora and Dar Brick Kiln at Tumchinowpora. The status as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust also contains brick kilns holding valid CTOs, indicating that the regulatory violations are not uniform across the district. The findings assume significance in view of the Jammu & Kashmir Pollution Control Committee's direction to the Deputy Commissioner, Pulwama, to initiate action against brick kilns operating without the requisite permissions and in violation of environmental regulations. The presence of multiple units with expired or refused consent, besides those listed without consent altogether, raises serious questions over their continued operation and the effectiveness of regulatory enforcement in the district. The concerned authorities are now expected to verify the operational status of these units and take action against those found functioning without valid statutory consent. [KNT]](https://newsagencyknt.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Brick-Kiln-390x220.jpg)
