Key Facts and Data Points

  • Product: Kaladi, a traditional stretchable dairy product of Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir, often termed the “mozzarella of Jammu”.
  • GI Tag: Granted to Kaladi, boosting its economic value and creating livelihood opportunities for rural youth.
  • Initiative: Upscaling under One District One Product (ODOP) to promote indigenous products.
  • Scientific Partners: CSIR‑CFTRI (Mysuru) and CSIR‑IIIM (Jammu) for nutrient profiling, characterisation, value addition, and shelf‑life extension.
  • Key Constraint: Short shelf‑life, especially without refrigeration, limiting market reach.
  • Objectives: Preserve taste, texture, and nutrition; diversify recipes; expand to national and international markets; increase farmer incomes.

Background and Context

  • Geographical Indications (GI): A GI tag confers legal protection and market advantage to products linked to a specific region, encouraging preservation of traditional knowledge.
  • ODOP Scheme: Launched by the Government of India to promote one unique product from each district, fostering entrepreneurship, employment, and export potential.
  • Science & Technology Ministry Role: Provides policy direction and facilitates research collaborations for product upscaling.

Significance for India / Governance / Policy

  • Economic Impact: Enhances rural incomes, creates jobs for youth, and contributes to the dairy sector’s growth.
  • Export Potential: Positions Indian traditional foods in global markets, supporting the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Vocal for Local’ narratives.
  • Food Security & Nutrition: Value‑added dairy products improve dietary diversity and nutrition.
  • Policy Integration: Demonstrates inter‑departmental coordination (Science & Technology, Agriculture, Commerce) and the use of research institutions for product development.

Related Constitutional / Legal Provisions

  • Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 – provides legal framework for GI registration.
  • The Companies Act, 2013 – facilitates formation of producer companies for collective marketing.
  • Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 – governs standards for dairy processing and shelf‑life extensions.

References