Srinagar, Mar 24: Two siblings from Srinagar have developed what they claim to be the world’s first Rajma Jam and Rajma Chocolate, aiming to convert a traditional crop into value-added, market-ready food products.
The innovations have been developed by Iram Gulzar, a student of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), and her sister Rabia Gulzar as part of their work in agricultural innovation and food entrepreneurship.
“We are working at the intersection of agriculture, food science and creativity to transform traditional crops like rajma into functional foods with wider market potential,” said Iram Gulzar.
Iram, who completed her BSc and MSc in Agriculture (Seed Science and Technology) from SKUAST-K with an OGPA of 8.558, said her academic training helped her build a strong base in research and innovation.
She has worked on DUS characterisation, seed quality analysis, agro-morphological diversity, nursery management and sustainable farming systems. Iram is currently working as a Project Assistant at the Institute of Business and Policy Research (IBPR), SKUAST-K, contributing to projects on indigenous livelihood security and tribal development.
Rabia Gulzar, a postgraduate in Fine Arts, said her role focuses on product design and presentation. “My focus is to make these products visually appealing and suitable for consumers while supporting the scientific work behind them,” she said.
The duo has founded Gulshameem Baraqah Hub, an initiative working on agricultural innovation, food entrepreneurship and community empowerment. “The scientific development of Rajma Jam was led by Iram, while the idea and design of Rajma Chocolate was developed by Rabia,” they said.
Iram has been awarded the 100 Women Award by the International Human Rights Organization, along with the Global Legacy Award and Super Women Award for her work in agricultural innovation and community engagement. She has also contributed to books and literary anthologies.
The siblings said their work has been supported by SKUAST-K through its research and incubation ecosystem. They expressed gratitude to Vice Chancellor Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganie for encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship.
They also acknowledged the support of their mentors, Dr Zahoor Ahmad Dar and Dr Aijaz Ahmad Lone, and thanked Dr Omar Fayaz Khan for guidance under ongoing projects.
“We are thankful to the SKIIE Centre and especially Naveed Bhat for providing mentorship, incubation support and a platform to take our work forward,” they said.
“Our aim is to empower communities, encourage young researchers and women innovators, and promote local agricultural resources at a larger level,” they added.
Notably, CM Omar Abdullah visited their stall during the Gongul Festival at SKUAST-K and tasted the Rajma Chocolate. Director Extension Rehana Habib Kant briefed the Chief Minister, saying that it is the first chocolate in the world made from rajma.
“So, it’s made of rajma and honey… good in protein also… inside is the rajma and outside is chocolate,” Omar Abdullah said while tasting the product.
