STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The Consulate General of India, New York in association with Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organisation (JKTPO) and US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) organized a virtual International outreach programme cum conference to promote export of Saffron of the Union Territory.
The event, which was aimed at to increase the export of this globally renowned spice in the US market, was attended by Manoj Kumar Dwivedi, Commissioner Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, Randhir Jaiswal, Consul General of India (CGI), New York, Devi Prasad Misra, Consul (Trade), Ankita Kar, Managing Director, J&K Trade Promotion Organization, Celebrity Chef Vikas Khanna, Dr. Nasheeman Ashraf, Senior Scientist, CSIR IIM and food columnist Ramin Ganeshram besides senior officials from J&K Government and CGI, New York along with members of Saffron Exporting community of J&K and American Importers.
Dwivedi, while speaking on the occasion, said that “J&K is the largest producer of the best quality saffron in the world. As we embark on to explore the potential markets, events like these will help us to reach potential buyers in every country and increase the brand value of our products in the international market” “We are thankful to the Government of Jammu and Kashmir for this unique initiative and hope that both the markets will be mutually benefited by this joint venture. We want to get more of Indian saffron to the US as India is one of the leading producers of Saffron and we look forward to adding value to trade and the production line.” asserted Randhir Jaiswal.
The event also served as a knowledge dissemination platform about various aspects of Saffron.
Vikas Khanna shared insights about the culinary story of saffron while Dr. Nasheeman Ashraf introduced the scientific and genetic nature of Indian Saffron to the participants through his session- ‘From Farm to Plate’.
Ramin Ganeshram talked about the Global history of Saffron and America’s First Michelin-Starred Indian Chef Hemant Mathur spoke about the use of Saffron in Western Cuisine.
The event was targeted to enable the reputed exporters of Saffron to connect with the potential US importers. More than 40 saffron exporters had been registered with the JKTPO for this event. The event concluded with a question and answer session and the details along with company profiles of the registered exporters from J&K were shared with CGI, New York to connect the buyers and sellers. Ankita Kar delivered a vote of thanks to all members and participants. Pertinently, with an aim to put Jammu and Kashmir on an accelerated socio-economic growth phase various similar events are being planned across different sectors to connect the stakeholders.
