Baramulla Women Find Joy in Wild Raspberry Jam-Making Initiative
Suhail Khan
Baramulla, Nov. 08 : A transformative initiative led by the Grassroots Innovation Augmentation Network (GIAN) and the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) is making a profound impact in the villages of Baramulla district in north Kashmir.
With GIAN’s guidance, women in Baramulla villages have embarked on a journey to revive ancestral knowledge and produce the renowned “Wild Raspberry Jam,” a venture that has breathed new life into their communities.
Through extensive training provided by GIAN, these women have mastered the art of jam-making, venturing into nearby forests each day to handpick ripe berries and craft their exquisite preserves.
Shameema Bano, an active member of Takiya Yousuf Shah village, told Kashmir Despatch about the vital importance of utilizing ripe fruits and berries to minimize waste, promote sustainability, and conserve natural resources.
She said the women receive compensation based on their berry collection, resulting in an average monthly income ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,000.
Shameema said the impact of their work extends beyond personal income, with these women producing an estimated 250 kilograms of jam annually. This has led to a significant turnover ranging from Rs 500,000 to Rs 800,000. The economic empowerment achieved by these women coincides with the preservation of their cultural heritage, aligning perfectly with NRLM’s mission, she added.
Syed Khursheed Geelani, affiliated with NRLM, is taking to the Kashmir Despatch over the phone to emphasize that this initiative goes beyond empowering women. He said it positively impacts over a hundred families across the ten villages of Wagoora in Baramulla.
Geelani said around 100 women received comprehensive training through the collaboration between NRLM and GIAN, enabling them to create not only delicious jams but also other food products.
Geelani highlights the women’s early morning excursions, during which they gather not only wild raspberries but also apples, pears, and various berries, along with naturally grown vegetables possessing medicinal value.
He said these previously discarded fruits and vegetables now find new life as delightful jams and various products.
Geelani further draws attention to the significant financial value found in the medicinal herbs that were once commonly used by their ancestors but are now scarcely found and underutilized.
Dr. Amit Kumar, a medical expert, told Kashmir Despatch that this pathbreaking initiative not only empowers women economically but also ensures the preservation of their cultural identity and heritage. Through their expertise in wild raspberry jam-making and the utilization of traditionally valued herbs, these women have become drivers of change, empowering themselves and their communities while safeguarding their rich cultural legacy.
He said these enterprising women have tapped into the untapped potential of these herbs and shrubs, resulting in their products being sold at favorable rates due to their higher medicinal value.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
