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Friday, June 21, 2013

National Saffron Mission to Revive Kashmir Saffron

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Kashmir has the proud privilege of producing the finest quality saffron, which is famous for its colour and flavour all over the world. The Central Government launched the National Saffron Mission (NMS) in November 2010 after the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh announced it during his visit to Kashmir earlier in the year.

In Kashmir valley, 90 percent of saffron production comes from Pampore uplands, locally called ‘wudar’ on the southern outskirts of Srinagar city. As elsewhere in the world, saffron is grown here too by small individual farmers and the traditional quality control methods are the only way to maintain the quality and the originality of the world’s costliest spice. Saffron which is considered as nature’s precious wonder gift to mankind is in great demand for its medicinal, cosmetic and aromatic properties. It grows from a very small plant botanically known as Crocus Sativus. Its purple coloured flower is the only part mostly seen above the ground. The blossoms appear during late autumn (mid-October to early November) and present a very fascinating memorable sight in moonlight particularly on ‘Kartik Purnima’. The aromatic reddish stigmas of these flowers are harvested which form the most expensive part of the colourful spice called ‘Mongra’. The remaining stalks are also processed to get inferior grade of saffron called ‘Lacha’.

There has been a drop in saffron cultivation area as well as in production yields. The official production figures show that saffron area has gone down from about 5,700 hectares to just around 3,800 hectares and the productivity too has dipped from 3.13 kg per hectare to 2.50 kg per hectare in the last few years. Officials say that “mindless and unplanned” construction of residential houses in the midst of saffron fields during the last two decades is one of the major causes for shrinking of acreage.

Other reasons that threaten the costliest cash crop of the state, according to experts, are the lack of irrigation facilities, poor techniques adopted by the growers and lack of post harvest management that have led to low productivity and poor quality. Moreover, a commission appointed by the Government pointed out that there has been a shortfall in the replacement of Saffron  seed for the last twenty years partly due to neglect in improving the seed quality.

A multi-crore industry engaged in production of eatable colour dyes, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and other uses depends on Kashmir Saffron. However, due to its shortfall in production, the industry looked other wards to meet its raw material requirements. The dwindling domestic production has led to demand outstripping the supply and thus spurting the prices, making saffron smuggling a lucerative business. It is reported that the Iranian saffron fetches double its price in India. Expressing concern over the smuggling of Iranian saffron Union Agriculture Secretary, Shri A. K. Basu conceded that ‘’while this was happening no one paid any great attention to the problem or failed to address it.’’ He said that National Saffron Mission would wipe out many aspects of the problem.

The 371.18 crore rupees National Saffron Mission Programme with 286.06 crore rupees as the Central Government’s share and 85.12 crore rupees as farmers’ share will be executed in four years to revive saffron production in Jammu and Kashmir. The mission would cover drip irrigation, research, mechanization, processing and marketing support to ease the crisis. An amount of Rs. 39.43 crore is being utilized during the current financial year. Jammu & Kashmir Minister for Agriculture, Shri Ghulam Hassan Mir said ‘’the objective of the Saffron National Mission is to improve the overall production of saffron, enhancing quality of saffron, enhancement of research and extension capability and develop appropriate system for organized marketing for the growers’’. The Minister said that the main objective of the scheme is to extend support for creation of irrigation facilities through tube wells and sprinklers, which would help better crop production in the area.

In order to provide improved irrigation facilities to the saffron growers 253 tube wells would be set up under the NSM in the state, with each tube well having a potential to irrigate 30 hectares. Of them 128 tube wells would be in Pulwama and 106 in Budgam districts. Fifty-three tube wells would be bored during the current financial year. At the same time, it is proposed to strengthen the existing Lathipora lift irrigation scheme on the river Jehlum adjacent to Pampore fields to create a permanent water source for saffron areas. The saffron mission also envisages to make available over 3,700 sprinkler sets to the farmers with 50 percent subsidy over an estimated cost of Rs 5000 per set.

The mission also proposes to introduce mechanization techniques by procuring costly machines for use by farmers through the Agriculture Department for digging of fields and plantation of saffron corms. This would increase profitability of saffron growers by reducing the production costs. Each year 125 dryers are also planned for distribution among farmers for drying and seasoning of the harvested crop.

The NSM also seeks to develop appropriate systems for organized marketing, quality-based pricing of saffron and for formulating direct transactions between growers, traders, exporters and industrial agencies. National Spot Exchange would establish a Quality Control Lab at Pampore at a cost of Rs 8.90 crore to ensure quality testing and marketing of the saffron. There is also a proposal to set up a Spice Park for which a site has been identified at Pampore. Its purpose is to promote direct transactions between growers, traders, exporters and industrial agencies by developing organized marketing with quality based pricing of Saffron. It is expected that after completion of the National Saffron Mission the state’s income from saffron production would increase from the present Rs. 236.55 crore to Rs.4,642.50 crore, said the state Agriculture Minister.The saffron farmers and their association have received well the National Saffron Mission and have started registering farmers groups as societies. ‘’We really require this Mission and if it is implemented, the growers will be benefited,” said Raja Mushtaq, a saffron grower. They expect that the mission would go a long way in improving production and productivity and bringing in consistency in processing and marketing. “The saffron mission will go a long way in helping farmers enhance quality and productivity of Saffron,” said Seed Pathologist Farooq Ahamd Mandoo.

The Central Government expects to turn the corner in the next two years and restore the prestige and credibility of Kashmir saffron which the Union Agriculture Secretary described as a ‘’heritage issue and linked to very ethos of Kashmir.’’ (PIB Features)


Freelance Writer
Disclaimer : The views expressed by the author in this feature are entirely his own and do not necessarily reflect the views of PIB.  



Wednesday, June 19, 2013

भूमि माफिया से खतरा राष्ट्रीय केसर मिशन: श्री चुन्नी लाल


भूमि माफिया से खतरा राष्ट्रीय केसर मिशन: श्री चुन्नी लालपंपोर, पंपोर और आसपास के क्षेत्रों में राष्ट्रीय केसर मिशन भूमि माफिया से खतरा है. हाल ही में कृषि विस्तार अधिकारी (AEO) जोन पंपोर 

श्री चुन्नी लाल क्षेत्र में भगवा भूमि के अवैध उत्खनन को रोकने के लिए उससे पूछ, तहसीलदार पंपोर को एक पत्र लिखा था. "कृषि विभाग Lethpora के क्षेत्र एजेंसी Chandhara से कुछ व्यक्तियों द्वारा पृथ्वी खुदाई भगवा देश के लिए खतरा है कि सूचना नहीं दी है. हमारे विभाग के जिला अधिकारियों के नाम / विवरण और शामिल उत्खनन के अन्य लोगों की मृत्यु के साथ खुदाई की जा रही भूमि के राजस्व जानकारी पता करने के इच्छुक हैं, "पत्र, ग्रेटर कश्मीर के साथ झूठ बोल रही है जो की एक प्रति राज्यों. 

कृषि अधिकारी भी राष्ट्रीय केसर मिशन पर खुदाई के प्रभाव को लेकर आशंका व्यक्त की है.Karewas नई कालोनियों आ रहे हैं जहां श्रीनगर शहर के बाहरी इलाके में दलदल भूमि को भरने के लिए विभिन्न स्थानों पर खुदाई की मिट्टी की तस्करी के लिए लगाया जा रहा है.

                   Agriculture For The Future 
Sheikh GULZAAR
Head, Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
POB: 667 GPO Srinagar SGR JK 190001
(Plant Introduction Centre's ) Phalgham, Sonamarag, Naranag, Gulmarag & Kishtwar) 
(Member : Organic Farming Association of India)
Address: "Ginkgo House" Nambalbal, (Via Wuyan-Meej Road), Pampore PPR JK 192121
Ph: 09858986794,01933-223705
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
home: http://jkmpic.blogspot.com
 

National Saffron Mission under threat from land mafia : Shri Chuni Lal

AEO, Chuni Lal
Pampore , National Saffron Mission in Pampore and adjoining areas is under threat from land mafia. Recently Agriculture Extension Officer (AEO) Zone Pampore Shri Chuni Lal wrote a letter to Tehsildar Pampore, asking him to stop the illegal excavation of saffron land in the area. “The field agency of Agriculture Department Lethpora has reported that the earth excavation by some persons from Chandhara is posing threat to saffron land. The district officers of our department are desirous to know the revenue details of land being excavated with name/particulars and other deaths of excavators involved,” states the letter, a copy of which is lying with Greater Kashmir.

The Agriculture Officer also expressed apprehension over the impact of excavation on National Saffron Mission.

Karewas are being leveled to smuggle the excavated soil to different places for filling up marsh land in the outskirts of Srinagar city where new colonies are coming up.
 
“Actually Revenue officials are hand in glove with the land mafia. They (land mafia) are leveling these Karewas for various reasons. One factor is that they save transportation charges which they would have had to pay if they would have to get the soil from 6, 7 kms away. Every day hundreds of tippers ferry soil from, Chandhara, Dusoo, Pampore and Lethpora,” said Muhammad Yousuf Malik, a member of local social welfare organisation Pampore which is one of the organizations spearheading the campaign to stop illegal extraction of land.

Fed up with the inaction of the local Revenue officials, locals had approached Divisional Commissioner Kashmir on May 2. “He gave a patient hearing to us and promised to take necessary action against land mafia of Pampore who have leveled miles of Karewas by their huge earthmovers. Next day the Additional Divisional Commissioner (ADC) Kashmir,  came to the town to have on spot assessment of the sites where illegal excavation of saffron soil was being done,” Ghulam Nabi Sheikh said.

But locals complained that ADC “was not taken to the major sites like Samboora and actual sites at Chandhara where, where from saffron soil is supplied for different projects, particularly for the four-lane highway project.”

Chairman of the Legal Cell Pampore, Bashir Ahmed said that they have been fighting for the status quo of the saffron land from long time, “actually it is nexuses between administration and contractors. We have been fighting for a long time to save the land. There are clear directions from court and various laws are also there to save the land. But ultimately these need to be implemented.”

When contacted Deputy Commissioner, Pulwama, he said, “This has not come in my knowledge. I will look into the matter.”


                   Agriculture For The Future 
Sheikh GULZAAR
Head, Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
POB: 667 GPO Srinagar SGR JK 190001

(Plant Introduction Centre's ) Phalgham, Sonamarag, Naranag, Gulmarag & Kishtwar) 
(Member : Organic Farming Association of India)
Address: "Ginkgo House" Nambalbal, (Via Wuyan-Meej Road), Pampore PPR JK 192121
Ph: 09858986794,01933-223705
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
home: http://jkmpic.blogspot.com
 
 

Sunday, June 2, 2013

Marrubium vulgare tea for sale

Marrubium vulgare plants

Marrubium vulgare seeds availablty

Family: Labiatae
Eng name : White Horehound
Parts used : All parts of the plant are used medicinally
(Available for Research purpose only)
Marrubium vulgare plant is a well-known and popular herbal medicine that is often used as a domestic remedy for coughs, colds, wheeziness etc. The herb apparently causes the secretion of a more fluid mucous, readily cleared by coughing. The leaves and young flowering stems are antiseptic, antispasmodic, cholagogue, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, strongly expectorant, hepatic, stimulant and tonic. Marrubium vulgare is a very valuable pectoral, expectorant and tonic that can be safely used by children as well as adults. It is often made into a syrup or candy in order to disguise its very bitter flavour, though it can also be taken as a tea. As a bitter tonic, it increases the appetite and supports the function of the stomach. It can also act to normalize heart rhythm. The plant is harvested as it comes into flower and can be used fresh or dried. The root is a remedy for the bite of rattlesnakes, it is used in equal portions with Plantago lanceolata or P. major.
Marrubium vulgare is an expectorant herb, meaning it helps loosen bronchial secretions and eliminate mucus. Expectorant herbs help loosen bronchial secretions and make elimination of mucus easier. Numerous herbs are traditionally considered expectorants, though most of these have not been proven to have this effect in clinical trials. Marrubium vulgare has expectorant properties, possibly due to the presence of a diterpene lactone in the plant, which is known as marrubiin. Marrubium vulgare has a long history of use for relieving coughs.

Marrubium vulgare’s major active constituent increases the flow of saliva and gastric juice. Bitter herbs are thought to stimulate digestive function by increasing saliva production and promoting both stomach acid and digestive enzyme production.4 As a result, they are particularly used when there is low stomach acid but not in heartburn (where too much stomach acid could initially exacerbate the situation). These herbs literally taste bitter. Some examples of bitter herbs include greater celandine, wormwood, gentian,dandelion, blessed thistle, yarrow, devil’s claw, bitter orange, bitter melon, juniper, andrographis, prickly ash, and centaury.5. Bitters are generally taken either by mixing 1–3 ml tincture into water and sipping slowly 10–30 minutes before eating, or by making tea, which is also sipped slowly before eating.

Marrubium vulgare contains a number of constituents, including alkaloids, flavonoids, diterpenes (e.g., marrubiin), and trace amounts of volatile oils.6 The major active constituent marrubiin and possibly its precursor, premarrubiin, are herbal bitters that increase the flow of saliva and gastric juice, thereby stimulating the appetite.7 Similar to horehound, elecampane has been used by herbalists to treat people with indigestion.

Carminatives (also called aromatic digestive tonics or aromatic bitters) may be used to relieve symptoms of indigestion, particularly when there is excessive gas. It is believed that carminative agents work, at least in part, by relieving spasms in the intestinal tract

The mucilage of slippery elm gives it a soothing effect for coughs. Usnea also contains mucilage, which may be helpful in easing irritating coughs. There is a long tradition of using wild cherry syrups to treat coughs. Other traditional remedies to relieve coughs include bloodroot, catnip, comfrey (the above-ground parts, not the root), horehound, elecampane, mullein, lobelia, hyssop, licorice, mallow, (Malvia sylvestris), red clover, ivy leaf, pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides, Mentha pulegium), onion, (Allium cepa), and plantain (Plantago lanceolata, P. major). None of these has been investigated in human trials, so their true efficacy for relieving coughs is unknown.

The JK medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
"Ginkgo House", Nambalbal, Via Wuyan-Meej Road, Pampore PPR J&K 192121
Mob:09858986794
Ph: 01933-223705
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
home: http://jkmpic.blogspot.in

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Cichorium intybus plant

Chicory plant

Family: Compositae

Chicory is also known as Blue Sailors, Garden Endive, Succory, Wild Succory and Hendibeh. The seeds, leaves and root have carminative and cordial properties and are useful as a brain tonic and for headache, asthma and bilious vomiting. It is an acclaimed hepatoprotective and, is used in hepatic enlargement,  sluggishness, jaundice, fever, vomiting and abdominal pain. Cleanses the urinary tract.

Chicory can lower pulse rate and reduce cholesterol levels. It has cholagogue and antiinflammatory properties and is useful in rheumatic condition and gout. Strengthens the liver and checks bilious enlargements of the spleen with general dropsy. Contains 45-60% inulin, which can lower levels of blood cholesterol.

Women who suffer from premenstrual syndrome (PMS) may find that regular use of chicory root as a bitter and a liver tonic may assist in maintaining hormone balance and lessening the symptoms of PMS.


Chicory also supports the body’s ability to absorb calcium, a nutrient that helps build and maintain strong teeth and bones.
 

Parts used :Leaves - raw or cooked. The leaves are rather bitter, especially when the plants are flowering. The leaves are often blanched by excluding light, either by removing all the leaves and then earthing up the new growth, or by covering the plant with a bucket or something similar. Whilst this greatly reduces any bitterness, there is also a corresponding loss of vitamins and minerals. The blanched leaves are often used in winter salads (they are known as chicons) and are also cooked. The unblanched leaves are much less bitter in winter and make an excellent addition to salads at this time of year. A nutritional analysis of the leaves is available. Flowers - raw. An attractive addition to the salad bowl, but rather bitter. Root - cooked like parsnip. The boiled young roots form a very palatable vegetable. The root is said to be an ideal food for diabetics because of its inulin content. Inulin is a starch that cannot be digested by humans, it tends to pass straight through the digestive system and is therefore unlikely to be of use to a diabetic. However, the inulin can be used to make a sweetener that is suitable for diabetics to use. Chicory-root is free of harmful ingredients, and is essentially a concentrated combination of three sugars (pentose, levulose and dextrose) along with taraxarcine (the bitter principle of dandelion). It is especially important as source of levulose. Roots are used in seasoning soups, sauces and gravies, and to impart a rich deep colour. The roasted root is used as a caffeine-free coffee adulterant or substitute. Young roots have a slightly bitter caramel flavour when roasted, roots over 2 years old are much more bitter.

Other uses of the herb: The roots have the potential to be used for the production of biomass for industrial use. They are rich in the starch "inulin" which can easily be converted to alcohol. A blue dye has been obtained from the leaves. The flowers are an alternative ingredient of "QR" herbal compost activator. This is a dried and powdered mixture of several herbs that can be added to a compost heap in order to speed up bacterial activity and thus shorten the time needed to make the compost.


Availablilty of parts
Cichorium intybus seed, Cichorium intybus  plant, Cichorium intybus  leaves, Cichorium intybus  Roots, Chicory Seeds, Chicory Roots, Chicory Plant, Chicory Leaves, Kasni seed
, Kasni powder  

More details:- The JK Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
Admin. office: “Ginkgo House” Azizabad,Via Wuyan-Meej Road, Nambalbal, Pampore PPR JK 192121
 Postal adrress: PO Box 667 GPO Srinagar SGR JK 190001
Ph: +91-1933-223705, Cell, (Head) +91-9858986794
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com 
home: http://jkmpic.blogspot.com

International Week of Disappeared

Buy Medicinal plant seeds
Srinagar, May 29: Hurriyat Conference (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Wednesday alleged that over 10000 persons had been subjected to enforced disappearance in Kashmir.

“None other than Kashmiris can feel the pain of the persons who were subjected to enforced disappearance by the forces. More than 10000 people have been subjected to enforced disappearance in Kashmir so far while as 9500 unmarked graves have been discovered. The family members of disappeared persons are suffering from pain for the past 23 years,” said Mirwaiz in a statement today.

Mirwaiz said the real motive behind observing the “International Week of Disappeared” was to demand the return of thousands of people who were subjected to enforced disappearance across the globe.

Mirwiaz said the day was observed to take measures for alleviating the problems of the families of the victims. He said the silence of international community in this regard was contrary to human values and it seems they were attempting to provide protection to crimes committed by the State.
“It is the duty of international bodies like UN and Human Rights organizations to play an active role and press the Indian government to return the thousands of people who were subjected to enforced disappearance from Kashmir by their forces,” Mirwaiz said.

“Thousands of women have become widows and equal number of children has become orphans in the past 23 years. It is the duty of Kashmiri nation to take care of them and provide them whatever help they need,” said Mirwaiz, adding that “the Hurriyat has strengthened its HR cell and documented the statistical record pertaining to enforced disappearances, prisoners, and affected families. In near future Hurriyat will formulate an effective strategy to deal with these human issues.”(Writer-South Asia)

Monday, May 27, 2013

Pyrethrum seedlings

Buy Pyrethrum seedlings
Pyrethrum-Chrysanthemum cinerarifolium
Aromatic perennial, leaves dissected into liner segments. Flowers white, 2-5cm.across.Pyrethrum refers to several Old World plants of the genus Chrysanthemum (e.g., C. coccineum) which are cultivated as ornamentals for their showy flower heads. Pyrethrum is also the name of a natural insecticide made from the dried flower heads of Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium and Chrysanthemum coccineum.

Other uses of the herb: The dried flower heads are used as an insecticide, they are a source of the commercially available insecticide "pyrethrum", which is non-toxic to mammals. This species is less effective than T. cinerariifolium. Only the yellow disk rays contain pyrethrins. Once dried, the flowers or the powder retain their insecticidal properties almost indefinitely.

Propagation of Pyrethrum: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. Only just cover the seed and do not allow the pot to dry out. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer. Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring.
Parts available:
Pyrethrum seed, Pyrethrum seedlings,Chrysanthemum, Pyrethrum flowers cinerarifolium,Chrysanthemum coccineum, Wilf Pyrethrum, Pyrethrum plant, Pyrethrum Kartik Posh

Min. seeds : 50 seeds/per packet
Organic from Kashmir Himalaya.No GMO's.
(Only for research Purpose)
__________________
The Jammu and Kashmir medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
"Ginkgo House", Nambalbal, New Coloney Azizabad, Via Wuyan-Meej Road, Pampore PPR J&K 192121

Mob:09858986794
Ph: 01933-223705
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
home: http://jkmpic.blogspot.in

Friday, May 3, 2013

Drone War against PAKISTAN

Pakistan Drone technology
Pakistan is secretly racing to develop its own armed drones, frustrated with U.S. refusals to provide the aircraft, but is struggling in its initial tests with a lack of precision munitions and advanced targeting technology, reports AP from Karachi.

One of Islamabad's closest allies and Washington's biggest rivals, China, has offered to help by selling Pakistan armed drones it developed. But industry experts say there is still uncertainty about the capabilities of the Chinese aircraft.

The development of unmanned combat aircraft is especially sensitive in Pakistan because of the widespread unpopularity of the hundreds of U.S. drone strikes against Taliban and al-Qaida militants in the country's rugged tribal region bordering Afghanistan.

The Pakistani government denounces the CIA strikes as a violation of the country's sovereignty, though senior civilian and military leaders are known to have supported at least some of the attacks in the past. Pakistani officials also call the strikes unproductive, saying they kill many civilians and fuel anger that helps militants recruit additional fighters — allegations denied by the U.S.

Pakistan has demanded the U.S. provide it with armed drones, claiming it could more effectively carry out attacks against militants. Washington has refused because of the sensitive nature of the technology and doubts that Pakistan would reliably target U.S. enemies. The U.S. has held talks with Pakistan about providing unarmed surveillance drones, but Islamabad already has several types of these aircraft in operation, and the discussions have gone nowhere.

Inaugurating a defense exhibition in the southern city of Karachi last week, Pakistani Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf indicated Islamabad would look for help from Beijing in response to U.S. intransigence.

"Pakistan can also benefit from China in defense collaboration, offsetting the undeclared technological apartheid," said Ashraf. Pakistan has also been working to develop armed drones on its own, said Pakistani military officials and civilians involved in the domestic drone industry, all of whom spoke on condition of anonymity because of the classified nature of the work.

Pakistan first began weapons tests seven or eight months ago with the Falco, an Italian drone used by the Pakistani air force for surveillance that has been modified to carry rockets, said a civilian with knowledge of the secret program. The military is also conducting similar tests with the country's newest drone, the Shahpur, he said. An unarmed version of the Shahpur was unveiled for the first time at the Karachi exhibition.

The weapons tests have been limited to a handful of aircraft, and no strikes have been carried out in combat, said the civilian. Pakistan lacks laser-guided missiles like the Hellfire used on U.S. Predator and Reaper drones and the advanced targeting system that goes with it, so the military has been using unguided rockets that are much less accurate.

While Hellfire missiles are said to have pinpoint accuracy, the rockets used by Pakistan have a margin of error of about 30 meters (100 feet) at best, and an unexpected gust of wind could take them 300 meters (1,000 feet) from their intended target, said the civilian. Even if Pakistan possessed Hellfires and the guidance system to use them, the missile's weight and drag would be a challenge for the small drones produced by the country.

Pakistan's largest drone, the Shahpur, has a wingspan of about seven meters (22 feet) and can carry 50 kilograms (110 pounds). The U.S. Predator, which can be equipped with two Hellfire missiles, has a wingspan more than twice that and a payload capacity over four times as great.

Pakistani drones also have much more limited range than those produced in the U.S. because they are operated based on "line of sight" using radio waves, rather than military satellites. The Shahpur has a maximum range of 250 kilometers (150 miles), while the Predator can fly over five times that distance.

The British newspaper The Guardian reported Tuesday that Pakistan was working on an armed drone but did not provide details. The market for drones has exploded in Pakistan and other countries around the world in recent years, as shown by the array of aircraft on display at the defense exhibition in Karachi. Hoping to tap into a worldwide market worth billions of dollars a year, public and private companies wheeled out over a dozen drones that ranged in size from hand-held models meant to be carried in a backpack to larger aircraft like the Shahpur.

All the Pakistani drones on display were advertised as unarmed and meant for surveillance only. One private company, Integrated Dynamics, even promotes its aircraft under the slogan "Drones for Peace." But several models developed by the Chinese government were marketed as capable of carrying precision missiles and bombs.

The Chinese government has offered to sell Pakistan an armed drone it has produced, the CH-3, which can carry two laser-guided missiles or bombs, industry insiders said. Also being offered to Pakistan is a more advanced drone, the CH-4, which closely resembles a U.S. Reaper and can carry four laser-guided missiles or bombs, according to Li Xiaoli, a representative of the Chinese state-owned company that produces both the CH-3 and CH-4, Aerospace Long-march International Trade Co., Ltd.

Pakistan has yet to purchase any armed Chinese drones because their capabilities have yet to be proven, but is likely to do so in the future, said the civilian with knowledge of the Pakistani military's drone program.

Only a few countries, including the U.S., Britain and Israel, are known to have actually used armed drones in military operations. "China is a bit of a tough nut to crack as you'd expect," said Huw Williams, a drone expert at Jane's International Defense Review. "They frequently wheel out exciting looking aircraft but are yet to really demonstrate anything earthshattering." (Writer-SouthAsia)

Friday, April 26, 2013

Kashmir-Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan, Kashmir Media

Musharraf
Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre

Why Kashmir’s Media Loves Mush

Buy Goji berry seed/plant
Former Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf’s return after four years of self-exile did not dominate the Pakistani media the way it should have, considering the fact that he had ruled the country for nine years. Even following his arrest, except for the brief top slots on TV channels, he did not figure prominently in the print media in Pakistan. Contrary to that, Musharraf and his return was continuously splashed over the front pages in Kashmir’s media – both in Urdu and English. He also occupied a “better” space in Indian mainstream media, obviously for the reasons that Pakistan Army is a “favourite” subject for a vast section in print and electronic media.

In Kashmir, any development in Pakistan is covered by the media extensively. The reason being that Kashmiri readers have a special interest in Pakistan and its affairs. For the past 65 years, Pakistan has been and continues to be part of the discourse over Kashmir and a party to the “dispute” between India and Pakistan. A third of the state of Jammu and Kashmir is under its control and its role in political upheavals in Kashmir particularly after 1989 are not hidden.

There are many reasons why Musharraf and any development in regard to him  is followed in Kashmir. Although many Kashmiris believe he diluted the “real issue”; a sizeable population in Jammu and Kashmir see him as a peace-maker. During my personal interactions with many Pakistani friends they would take umbrage to “Musharraf being popular among Kashmiris”. The reason is simple that they would see him as a “dictator” who “throttled democracy” to remain in power. But those in Kashmir who have a liking for Musharraf have seen him as one who departs from the “stated” track the successive Pakistani governments had adopted vis-à-vis Kashmir. They would also see a practical direction to the process of resolution to Kashmir issue during Musharraf’s rule. Putting the “old rhetoric and war mongering” into the backdrop, Musharraf would talk about out-of-the-box solutions to reach an agreement on Kashmir. And in today’s Pakistan, the Kashmir issue figures nowhere in the election campaign as the leaders of traditional parties such as Pakistan People’s Party and Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) have the economy and internal stability as the main planks rather than the jugular vein. Ironically, these leaders while critical of Musharraf’s Kashmir policy have completely abandoned the “much loved Kashmir cause”.

“The reason Musharraf gets extensive coverage in Kashmir is that his was the time of happening as for as the dispute is concerned”, opines Tahir Mohiuddin, editor of Urdu daily Chattan. “He surely did something practical and that is why the interest of readers in knowing about him”. Not only had people pinned hopes on Musharraf- (AB) Vajpayee combination on Kashmir resolution, but the separatists (except for hard-liner Syed Ali Shah Geelani) were on board in supporting his policies.
Musharraf being discussed in both the traditional and social media in Kashmir is linked to a drastic change that was witnessed in Indo-Pak relations during his time. He was the first Pakistan Army Chief who from being a staunch anti-India general ended up becoming the top peacemaker – that too with the country against which he planned Kargil. Although not defiant about what he did in 1999, he still changed the course of history and laid the foundation for a peace process. Confidence Building Measures such as bus services across the divided Jammu and Kashmir and trade across the Line of Control (LoC) are two important milestones the peace process achieved. Ceasefire along the LOC which facilitated the return of tens of thousands of people on both sides is something which those who were continuously living under threat of cross border shelling for more than 15 years, cannot forget.

By 2003, Kashmiris were fed up with the violence and iron-hand methods by New Delhi had taken a huge toll on them though they were forced to take up the gun due to continued moves to trample democratic rights. They also got convinced that the solution to the vexed issue was near and interlocutors on both sides had gained ground on that. Even Khurshid Kasuri, then Foreign Minister under Musharraf’s rule, went to the extent of saying that “we were close to inking the agreement”.
This hope had made Musharraf relevant in Kashmir and that is why the interest in knowing about him. Kashmiris believe that a solution to the problem cannot be achieved overnight and a step-by-step approach was the only way to reach a level of agreement, notwithstanding the inflexibility New Delhi has exhibited for so long. And Musharraf had moved in the direction of dealing with the issue with a step-by-step approach.

Notwithstanding the media coverage Musharraf gets in Kashmir, there is disagreement in social media among Kashmiris. While many see him as a “saviour”, not only for Kashmir but for Pakistan too, there are voices who are critical of him for being a dictator. Irrespective of the fact that Musharraf tried to get Pakistan’s middle class out of the clutches of a democracy “chained by fuedal lords and waderas” by introducing the concept of basic democracy through the electoral reforms and by creating avenues for them in media and services, many Kashmiris still see the traditional democracy as the “best way for Pakistan” to be stabilised. A well-known Kashmiri columnist Arjimand Hussain Talib’s post on Facebook invited a barrage of mixed comments – “I pity Pakistan’s judiciary and irresponsible media (with due respects to media friends there). Musharraf stands out as a ruler in Pakistan’s history who was not corrupt, took decisions in the best interests of his nation in the given circumstances, gave the country a free media, a vibrant civil society, reformed political system. And now the same systems humiliate him, are out to destroy him. I increasingly wonder if democracy really suits that country”.

Many blamed him for all the evils in Pakistan but many praised him for being a reformer. Without naming Arjimand or others, another Kashmiri journalist Gowhar Geelani pooh-poohed this positive thinking about Musharraf on his FB status – “I wasn’t amazed one bit to read some articles in Kashmir press favouring military dictator Musharaff’s policies of ruling a country for a decade against the wishes of the people. Mush fans want people to forget what the man did like deposing as many as 60 senior judges, including the Chief Justice of Pakistan, suggesting a flexible four-point formula for solving Kashmir dispute, ordering operation Lal Masjid, entering into a secret covenant with the US government to bomb tribals in Pakistan (drone attacks), declaring emergency in Pakistan. All of these undemocratic, unethical and dictatorial practices are being defended by some so-called writers in Kashmir, and instead of condemning these they seem to be suggesting that Mush provided stability to Pakistan and therefore should not be tried or punished for his misdeeds! Great analysis…! Keep it up!”.

In response to Gowhar one comment by Shenaz Yousuf was – “Going by the ‘popular’ sentiment, Musharraf is a saint not even recognised by his own countrymen. But we Kashmiris know him like no one does. Such a sad saga”.

Whatever way Musharraf is treated or seen by Pakistanis, for Kashmir his rule was certainly something which brought relief and opened up a new window for addressing Kashmir. So for the media too, it is difficult to ignore him. Otherwise also, Pakistan and politics in that country is closely followed in Kashmir, for the reason that any development in Pakistan has an impact on the happenings here. Musharraf has a place in the context of Kashmir’s legacy which continues to remain a “dispute” between India and Pakistan.
Shujaat
Space : Sheikh GULZAAR (Editor, Writer-South Asia)

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Aconitum heterophyllum roots


 Buy Aconitum heterophyllum
Aconitum heterophyllum
Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)

Medicinal use of Aconitum heterophyllum-Atis: The dried root is analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiperiodic, aphrodisiac, astringent, cholagogue, febrifuge and tonic. It is used in Kashmir in the treatment of dyspepsia, diarrhoea and coughs. It is also used in also Tibetan medicine, where it is said to have a bitter taste and a cooling potency. It is used to treat poisoning from scorpion or snake bites, the fevers of contagious diseases and inflammation of the intestines. The root is best harvested in the autumn as soon as the plant dies down and is dried for later use. This is a very poisonous plant and should only be used with extreme caution and under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.

Propagation of the herb :
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. The seed can be stratified and sown in spring but will then be slow to germinate. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. Division - best done in spring but it can also be done in autumn. Another report says that division is best carried out in the autumn or late winter because the plants come into growth very early in the year.

Aconitum heterophyllum roots
Aconitum heterophyllum roots are available
Min. pacakage : 100 grams
__________________
The Jammu and Kashmir medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
"Ginkgo House", Nambalbal, New Coloney Azizabad, Via Wuyan-Meej Road,
Pampore PPR J&K 192121
Mob:09858986794
Ph: 01933-223705
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
home: http://jkmpic.blogspot.in

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Rhubarb-Rheum rhabarbarum seeds

Rhubarb Chard -Rheum rhabarbarum
A colourful and tasty form of Swiss Chard with rich ruby-red leaf stalks and dark waxy green-purple leaves. The succulent mid-ribs can be cooked like asparagus and can also be harvested at the baby leaf stage for micro greens. Absolutely delicious!

No of seeds 50  seeds/per packet
__________________
The Jammu and Kashmir medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
"Ginkgo House", Nambalbal, New Coloney Azizabad, Via Wuyan-Meej Road, Pampore PPR J&K 192121

Mob:09858986794
Ph: 01933-223705
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
home: http://jkmpic.blogspot.in

Tulsi Seeds

Buy Tulsi seeds
(Holy Basil) The Tulsi set consists of three 50 seed packets of Holy Basil (Tulsi) used to make the health-promoting tea. 

Ocimum sanctum,  
Holy Basil Seed
Ocimum sanctum plant 
Tulsi Seeds 
Tulsi Tea 
Tulsi Leaves

The Jammu and Kashmir medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
"Ginkgo House", Nambalbal, New Coloney Azizabad,   

Via Wuyan-Meej Road, Pampore PPR J&K192121
Mob:09858986794
Ph: 01933-223705
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
home: http://jkmpic.blogspot.in

Monday, March 11, 2013

Burdock-Arctium lappa plants for sale

Buy Burdock-Arctium lappa
Burdock-Arctium lappa root as an herbal remedy offers a variety of health benefits. This herb has been known for its healing properties for many centuries and was commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat numerous illnesses.

About Burdock Root
The burdock is a plant found in the continents of Europe and Asia. It is easy to find and identify, as it generally grows along fences and roads. In Asia, the taproot of young burdock plant is harvested and eaten as a root vegetable. It has a gummy consistency and is sweet to the taste. It is rich in calcium, chlorogenic acid, flavonoids, iron, inulin, lactone, mucilage, polyacetylenes, potassium, resin, tannin, and taraxosterol.

Burdock-Arctium lappa-Traditional Uses for Burdock Root
In folk medicine, the seeds of the burdock were compressed to make a mixture that provided relief for measles, arthritis, tonsillitis, throat pain, and viruses like the common cold. Burdock root can also be used to treat gout, rheumatism, ulcers, acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Folk herbalists use it to treat snake bites and those that are afflicted with rabies. They also used dried burdock as a diuretic, diaphoretic, and a blood purifying agent. It purifies the blood by getting rid of dangerous toxins.

Burdock-Arctium lappa Remedy for Scalp Problems
The burdock root oil extract, or Bur oil, is used in Europe as a scalp treatment to help treat dandruff and prevent hair loss. Since the burdock oil is rich in phytosterols and essential fatty acids, it is also said to improve hair strength, shine, and body by helping maintain a healthy scalp and promote hair growth. It combines an immediate relieving effect with nutritional support for normal functions of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles.

Burdock-Arctium lappa Burn Treatment
The leaves of the burdock can be used for pain management and to help speed up recovery time in burn patients. It is said to impede bacterial growth and acts as a barrier against moisture.

Burdock-Arctium lappa Cancer Benefits
Today, burdock root is used in oncology for its cancer-curing properties, particularly in Russia and India. Many herbalists say burdock root can stop cancer cells from metastasizing. Preliminary research has demonstrated that burdock root has certain protective properties that may explain its cancer benefits. ((NaturalNews)

Buy Burdock Root/Seed/Plant/Leaves
__________________
The Jammu and Kashmir medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
"Ginkgo House", Nambalbal, New Coloney Azizabad, Via Wuyan-Meej Road, Pampore PPR J&K 192121
Mob:09858986794
Ph: 01933-223705
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
home: http://jkmpic.blogspot.in