Two sisters from Srinagar have created what they claim to be the world’s first Rajma Jam and Rajma Chocolate, aiming to turn a traditional crop into modern, market-ready food products.
The innovation has been developed by Iram Gulzar, a student of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, along with her sister Rabia Gulzar. Their work focuses on combining agriculture, food science, and creativity to develop new food products. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
“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.
Iram completed her BSc and MSc in Agriculture (Seed Science and Technology) from SKUAST-K with an impressive OGPA of 8.558. Her academic work includes research in DUS characterisation, seed quality analysis, agro-morphological diversity, nursery management, and sustainable farming systems.
She is currently working as a Project Assistant at the Institute of Business and Policy Research (IBPR) at SKUAST-K, where she contributes to projects focused on indigenous livelihood security and tribal development.
Her sister Rabia Gulzar, who holds a postgraduate degree in Fine Arts, is responsible for 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.
Together, the sisters have founded Gulshameem Baraqah Hub, an initiative dedicated to agricultural innovation, food entrepreneurship, and community empowerment. According to them, Iram led the scientific development of Rajma Jam, while Rabia designed and developed the Rajma Chocolate concept.
Iram has received several awards for her work, including the 100 Women Award by the International Human Rights Organization, as well as the Global Legacy Award and Super Women Award. She has also contributed to books and literary anthologies.
The sisters said their journey has been strongly supported by SKUAST-K’s research and incubation ecosystem. They thanked Vice Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganie for promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.
They also acknowledged the guidance of their mentors, Dr Zahoor Ahmad Dar, Dr Aijaz Ahmad Lone, and Dr Omar Fayaz Khan for their support in ongoing projects.
“We are thankful to the SKIIE Centre and especially Naveed Bhat for providing mentorship and incubation support,” they said.
“Our aim is to empower communities, encourage young researchers and women innovators, and promote local agricultural resources on a larger scale,” they added.
Notably, Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited their stall during the Gongul Festival at SKUAST-K and tasted the Rajma Chocolate.
Director Extension Rehana Habib Kant informed him that it is likely the first chocolate in the world made from rajma. After tasting it, Omar Abdullah remarked, “So, it’s made of rajma and honey… good in protein also… inside is the rajma and outside is chocolate.”
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