Kashmir’s first Cockscomb consignment sent to US

Srinagar, Nov 30: Director Agriculture Kashmir, Chowdhary Muhammad Iqbal on Thursday flagged off the first consignment of 120 kgs of Cockscomb to the USA from the Directorate of Agriculture Kashmir.
Cockscomb flower is a traditional ingredient used in Rogan Josh. It adds colour and textural interest to every garden. It is globally known by many names such as amaranth, velvet flower and wool flower. It is used as an exotic spice in culinary delicacies.
The Director Agriculture Kashmir said that sending the first consignment of cockscomb to the USA is an achievement for the department and opens new doors for the farmers to export their produce outside the valley.
“The cockscomb is a traditional product of the valley. It is used as a natural ingredient in making dishes. For some time its production declined. However, the UT government under the Holistic Agriculture Development Plan has been working hard for its revival and ensured to make farmers successful entrepreneurs,” he said.
While congratulating the farmers, Iqbal said that sending the cockscomb to the international market is itself an achievement for the department.
“Whenever farmers need our support and guidance we are always there to support them in their endeavours and we are committed to that,” he said.
The director said cockscomb flowers bring natural colour to Kashmiri wazwan dishes. “We have been trying to promote its production over the past two years and we are working for its value addition so that it can reach national and international markets,” he said.
The director said once its market is extended more and more people would get encouraged to grow it in their fields. The extension wing of the department had been encouraging people to go for an integrated model of farming.
“The future of the young generation is in agriculture and allied sectors. When we work together the young farmers who have joined the agriculture sector will get encouraged and more youth will join the industry,” he said. The director said farmer’s income would double only when they have a marketing platform.
The cockscomb leaves and flowers (especially the leaves) are consumed in East and West Africa, in India, in China as well as South East Asia.