Srinagar-Central Asia Economic Corridor-SCAEC

The Srinagar-Central Asia Economic Corridor-SCAEC : Gateway to Global Trade

The Srinagar-Central Asia Corridor-SCAC  or Shahrah-e-Abresham refers to the historical and potential future trade and cultural links between Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, and Central Asia. Historically, Kashmir served as a crucial transit point on the Silk Road, facilitating trade and cultural exchange between South and Central Asia. While geopolitical factors have impacted these connections, there's renewed interest in reviving these ties for economic and cultural reasons. 

Historical Significance:

Silk Road Hub:

Kashmir, situated in the Himalayas, acted as a vital link on the ancient Silk Road, 

connecting all disputed regions of Jammu and Kashmir with Central Asian regions

like Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. 

Herbal Trade  https://jkmpic.blogspot.com

Trade and Cultural Exchange:

• The corridor facilitated the exchange of goods like silk, saffron, shawls,herbs, fruit and carpets, as well as the spread of religious and artistic influences. 
• Ganderbal has historical significance as a gateway on the route to Central Asia, particularly due to its location in the Sind Valley and proximity to ancient trade routes. The regions's name is believed to be derived from the Ganderbhavan spring, which was once a point of entry for travelers from Central Asia. 
• Zojila Pass:

• The Zojila Pass was a key thoroughfare, connecting Kashmir with Ladakh, Tibet, and beyond, allowing for trade and travel. 

Modern Relevance:

• Potential for Economic Revival:

  Reviving the Srinagar-Central Asia corridor could boost trade, tourism, and regional cooperation. 
• Geopolitical Significance:

  The corridor's potential impact on regional dynamics is significant, with various countries vying for influence in Central Asia. 
• Challenges and Opportunities:

  While the potential benefits are substantial, factors like infrastructure development, financial constraints, and geopolitical tensions need to be addressed for successful revival. 

Key Considerations:

• Infrastructure Development:

  Improved road and rail connectivity is essential for facilitating trade and travel. 
• Regional Cooperation:

  Efforts to foster trust and collaboration among various stakeholders are crucial. 
• Geopolitical Landscape:

  The corridor's success is intertwined with the broader regional power dynamics and the stability of Central Asia. 

In essence, the Srinagar-Central Asia Economic Corridor-SCAEC represents a historical legacy and a potential pathway for future development, requiring careful navigation of both opportunities and challenges. 

Kashmir Houseboat Directory-2025

This directory provides detailed listings of houseboats categorized by location and type. It includes information such as the name of the houseboat, Contact person:'s name, location, category, Ph, e-mail  addresses..

Kashmir Houseboat Directory is must for every business house, travel portal, public sector, export/import houses, F&B Equipments, preparaton,Processing,packaging,food products,herbs,spices,Indian food, hospitality Industry,indian restaurants, food processing Industry,food technology, govt. establishment, travel agents & tour operators and general discerning traveler.

These resources provide a comprehensive visual journey through the enchanting world of Kashmir's houseboats, reflecting both their cultural significance and the serene beauty they offer to visitors.

Pricing : INR : 5500 (Available in e-mail format)

WhatsApp: 9858986794
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com

 

Behind the Fire: What’s Fueling the Iran-Israel War?

"Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has given permission 

for Israeli and pro-Israeli forces to use Syrian airspace 

to intercept Iranian drones and missiles."

Two important points for people to understand:

First:
Now even the blind can see what the real reason 

for the regime change in Syria and the reality of 

the so-called "revolution" was; all of this was actually 

being done for the interests of Israel.

Second:
Israel was not asking for your permission, the dog is 

just proving its loyalty to its master.

Who Is Ahmed al‑Sharaa?

Background: Born Abu Mohammad al‑Julani, he rose through al‑Qaeda in Iraq after the 2003 invasion and was imprisoned by U.S. forces. Later, in Syria, he founded the al‑Nusrah Front, evolving into Hay'at Tahrir al‑Sham (HTS), where he served as its emir from 2017 to 2025 

Amnesty for All: A Step Toward Global Justice

Amnesty  International 

Amnesty International is a global human rights organization that advocates for a world where everyone enjoys human rights. They work to prevent and end grave abuses of human rights, focusing on areas like the rights to physical and mental integrity, freedom of expression, and freedom from discrimination. Amnesty International supports international justice mechanisms like the International Criminal Court and calls for national governments to address impunity and ensure justice, truth, and reparation for victims of human rights violations. 

More info: https://www.amnesty.org/en/

Remembering Aryan Razdan: A Bright Kashmiri Soul Gone Too Soon

Remembering Aryan Razdan: A Bright Kashmiri Soul Gone Too Soon

By: Abdul Qayoom Ganie

Aryan Razdan, a 19-year-old Kashmiri Pandit student from Budgam, tragically died by suicide on May 19, 2025, in his hostel room at Chandigarh Group of Colleges (CGC), Jhanjeri, Mohali. He was a second-semester BBA student.

According to reports, Aryan was caught using his mobile phone during an examination. Following this incident, he returned to his hostel room, where he was later found hanging. Police investigations revealed the presence of anti-depressant medications in his room, suggesting he may have been experiencing mental health challenges.

The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has raised serious concerns regarding the circumstances surrounding Aryan's death. They allege that Aryan faced severe mental harassment by college authorities after the cheating incident, which may have contributed to his decision to take his own life. Furthermore, JKSA claims that Aryan's hostel room was cleaned before police arrived, and his mobile phone and laptop were taken without the family's knowledge, raising suspicions of evidence tampering. The association has called for a transparent and time-bound investigation into the matter.

This incident has sparked outrage and highlighted the need for educational institutions to provide adequate mental health support to students. It also underscores the importance of ensuring fair and compassionate treatment of students facing disciplinary actions.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, it's crucial to seek help. In India, you can contact the iCall helpline at +91 9152987821 or the Vandrevala Foundation Helpline at 1860 266 2345. Remember, you're not alone, and support is available.

Sheen-Kashmir Farmers Market and pinenuts

Chilgoza pine nuts

Pinenut-Chilgoza pine, Pinus gerardiana  
Availability : 100,250,500 & 1000 grams
Pricing Rs. 3650 (100 grams)

Sheen, Nambalbal, Pampore, J&K 192121

Mob/WhatsApp : 7780883803

Ph : 01933-223705

Other products: Pican,Hazel,Walnut,Mamra Badam,Saffron, Herbs etc.

People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration

PAGD

The People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration is a political alliance between the several political parties in Jammu and Kashmir campaigning for autonomy for the region by restoring special status along with Article 35A of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Farooq Abdullah is the president of the alliance.

Web: https://twitter.com/JKPAGD
Founded: 20 October 2020
Member parties 

More info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People's_Alliance_for_Gupkar_Declaration

Seed Bank Kashmir

Seed Bank Kashmir

The Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Center is constructing a special depot at Glacier Cave in Pahalgam to preserve the seeds of all crops around the world.

The thousands of seeds stored on this glacier will be used by the bank in the event of a catastrophic disaster or nuclear war in the world and crop damage.
The cave was built to protect the seeds stored in the event of a nuclear war or natural disaster.

The Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Center will set up an observatory in a cave on this glacier gene to create a 'seed bank'. In this regard, the Jammu and Kashmir Medical Plants Introduction Center has also decided to send a proposal to the Government of Jammu and Kashmir.

Sheikh Gulzar, a volunteer at the institute, said the seeds of all the world's crops would be kept in the cave.

Sheikh Gulzar said that there are 1,400 such seed banks in the world at present but they are all located in places where there is either political instability or in places where there is a risk of natural disasters. 

The temperature of the plugs will help keep these seeds safe. The walls of the bank will be made of lightweight concrete and its doors will be made of special iron sheets.

Availability of planting material, tree saplings, herb seed, flower seeds, fruit plants, creepers & climbers, medicinal herbs, herbal roots, crude drugs, bulbs, tree bark, herbal tea, corms, rhizomes, stem tubers & root tubers, aromatic plants.

For more details :
Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh Seed Bank
POB 40 GPO Srinagar, JK 190001
Address changed : Address: "Ginkgo House", A-370, Pampore Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh 192121
WhatsApp : 9858986794
Mob: 9858986794
Ph: 01933-223705
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com        

Ferula asafoetida-Heeng cultivation: Untapped agri-preneurship opportunity in Kashmir

 

Heeng cultivation: Untapped agri-preneurship opportunity in J&K

Ferula asafoetida plants

The scientific name of asafoetida (heeng) is a Ferula assafoetida andnis a a monoecious, herbaceous and perennial plant of the family Apiaceae.

The scientific name of asafoetida (heeng) is a Ferula assafoetida andnis a a monoecious, herbaceous and perennial plant of the family Apiaceae. It is a dried latex (gum oleoresin) exuded from the rhizome or tap root of Ferula which is a perennial herb that grows 1 to 1.5 m (3.3 to 4.9 ft) tall. It is also known as devil's dung, asant, food of the gods, jowani badian, stinking gum, hing, hengu, ingu, kayam, and ting. In Kashmiri, it is called as Yang and Sap, in Tamil (Perungaayam) and in Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi as Hing. 

The two main varieties of asafoetida are Hing Kabuli Sufaid (Milky White Asafoetida) and Hing Lal (Red Asafoetida). Even though most of the world's production of asafoetida comes from the Middle Eastern regions of Iran and Afghanistan, India is the major consumer of this spice.
The resin-like gum comes from the dried sap extracted from the stem and roots and is used as a spice. The resin is greyish-white when fresh, but dries to a dark amber colour. Today, the most commonly available form is compounded asafoetida, a fine powder containing 30 percent asafoetida resin, along with starch of rice flour and gum Arabic.

Process of cultivation
Asafetida requires full sun. Sow seeds in fall or early spring directly into prepared beds. Germination is improved by exposure to cold, moist conditions. Sow seeds on the surface of the soil with a lightly tamped layer of sand over them. Space seeds 2 feet apart and keep moderately moist until germination. Thereafter, water when soil is dry to the touch several inches down.

Plants are generally self-sufficient after they grow several feet high but some may require staking. In some regions, they can be self-sowing, so removing the flower heads before they go to seed may be necessary unless you want a field of this herb. Harvest as a vegetable when shoots and leaves are young and tender.

Special Usages of Asafoetida

1.      As spices
This spice is used as a digestive aid, in food as a condiment, and in pickling. It typically works as a flavour enhancer and used along with turmeric, is a standard component of Indian cuisine, particularly in lentil curries such as dal, as well as in numerous vegetable dishes.

2.      As medicine

Due to its functional properties, it possesses wonderful medicinal properties as antiflatulent and is considered a digestive. It reduces flatulence and also used for remedy for asthma and bronchitis. In Ancient India, rishi munis and vaids were also healers as they knew about the medicinal properties of all herbs and spices. They preferred ayurvedic medicines and remedies to cure many everyday health issues. Hing also has many medicinal properties that are worth mentioning. You may have heard your grandmothers suggest that Heeng tadka is a must to your dals at night as it helps aid digestion. In many parts of the world like Afganistan, China, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia it is taken to relieve symptoms of whooping cough, asthma and ulcer

Status of Asafoetida
There is no such reliable information on area under Asafoetida and the quantity produced. Central Asia is also source of asafoetida but Afghanistan and Iran are the major producers in this region. Asafoetida is native to central Asia, eastern Iran to Afghanistan, where it grows from 600 to 1200 m above the sea level. Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal is also an emerging states, where there is a huge scope of cultivating this spice at large extent.

India as loyal Consumer of this spice
Despite not being a producer of Asafoetida (Hing), India consumes 40 percent of world's total production each year. So far Hing is produced only in Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Baluchistan, Iran and Iraq. India imports near about 1000-1200 MT of asafoetida annually. During 2015-16, India imported 1199 MT of asafoetida valued at Rs 527.42 crores. After processing the raw product, India exported 885 MT of asafoetida valued at Rs 46.27 crores during the same period.

Role of Asafoetida in crop protection technique
The role of Asafoetida in crop protection technique came into limelight when a farmer namely K Chellamuthu, at Kodumudi village, Erode, Tamil Nadu, came under a lot of criticism from experts, when he developed a herbal spray for control of eriophyd mite in coconut trees.
He started experimenting asafoetida's effect on paddy, sesame seeds, ground nut, tomato, brinjal and other crops and found that the yield increased and the plants were healthy.

Golden opportunity for budding Agri-prenuers to take up this spice at large scale
Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh have the same cold desert type of climatic conditions that are found in Iran, Afghanistan and Turkey and are necessary for its cultivation. India consumes around 40 percent of total production of asafoetida worldwide as these provides an edge and scope of farming of this spice and tap the Indian market by the internal import burden from the various foreign countries.

Various experiments and research revealed that, this spice, if cultivated under technical specification would change the economy of hill states as one kg of pure asafoetida can fetch around Rs 35,000 to Rs 40,000 in the market. In addition, the production of asafoetida in the country would also reduce the dependence on other countries.

Asafoetida as international value crop has a high demand in pharmaceutical sector. Its farming would definitely improve the economy of farmers as the crop could be grown amidst other horticultural crops.
This crop has a tremendous scope and viable potential in Jammu and Kashmir as because of its nature of commerciality and demand for the same at domestic as well as international level. This spice or crop is the only spice in World that favours the climatic and soil nutrient nature of Jammu and Kashmir at large extent, although being a ignorant crop at both at lab as well as at land, it is  its brand image in terms of medicinal value that somehow has earthed roots at global level. This, we at state level have to work on in order to cultivate this spice at large level so to grab both domestic as well as international market at large extent, thus helping in doubling farmers income as well as economy of state and country as well.

Author is chief agri-business expert at Union Ministry Of Agriculture And Farmers Welfare, New Delhi
bhatnaveedbhat@gmail.com 

Ist published in Greater Kashmir

Rahul Gandhi,Bharat Jodo Yatra,Kashmir,Militants,Article370

 

'Made Eye Contact With Militants During Bharat Jodo Yatra In Kashmir': Rahul Gandhi At Cambridge University

Rahul Gandhi was narrating an incident from the Kashmir leg of his Bharat Jodo Yatra during a lecture at United Kingdom's Cambridge University.

More info : https://zeenews.india.com/india/made-eye-contact-with-militants-during-bharat-jodo-yatra-in-kashmir-rahul-gandhi-at-cambridge-university-2579660.html

Caste system a major hurdle for marriages in Kashmir

Kashmir Dispute

https://kashmirreader-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/kashmirreader.com/2021/06/22/caste-system-a-major-hurdle-for-marriages-in-kashmir/amp/?amp_js_v=a6&amp_gsa=1&usqp=mq331AQKKAFQArABIIACAw%3D%3D#aoh%3D16411370636546%26referrer%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%26amp_tf%3DFrom%20%251%24s%26ampshare%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fkashmirreader.com%2F2021%2F06%2F22%2Fcaste-system-a-major-hurdle-for-marriages-in-kashmir%2F=&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2Fkashmirreader.com%2F2021%2F06%2F22%2Fcaste-system-a-major-hurdle-for-marriages-in-kashmir%2F

Amazing benefits of elderberry

                This fruit can cure cold and flu in 48 hours?

Elderberry is one of the longest used plants in the world for curing various illnesses. They are the fruit of the Sambucus tree which is native to most of Europe. They contain antioxidants and many believe they relive cold and flu and boost the immune system. The raw berries are also known to be poisonous and cause stomach problems and hence they should be eaten when fully ripe. These berries are edible after cooking and can be used to make jam, jelly, chutney and sauce. Apart from being versatile and nutritious, they have myriad list of health benefits to offer. Have a look!

Sambacus nigra

·      Buy Elderberry plants Elderberry plants for sale

·                          WhatsApp at 9858986794

Lycium ruthenicum plants in Kashmir

Black goji berry (Lycium ruthenicum) tea has higher phytochemical contents and in vitro antioxidant properties than red gojiberry (Lycium barbarum) tea.

Black Gojiberry seeds for sale

Availability  Planting material/Seeds 

(WhatsApp : 9858986794)

Quince fruit seeds

Quince is the only member of the genus Cydonia and is native to Iran, China, Kashmir, Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan and possibly Greece and the Crimean Peninsula. The fruit has a strong aroma and is astringent in the raw state but makes an excellent preserve and is often used to give flavour and sharpness to stewed or baked apples.

Quince fruit Kashmir

Quince is a temperate fruit growing in just a few area of Jammu,Kashmir & Ladakh.Limited production also occurs in Himachal Pradesh.

Availability : Fruit/Seed/plants : (WhatsApp : 9858986794)

Ginkgo Biloba (Ginkgo biloba) trees in India

·       One of the oldest herbs in use today, ginkgo has a broad range of indications. For asthma sufferers, ginkgo works to inhibit PAF (platelet activating factor), a powerful inducer of platelet aggregator and anaphylactic reactions. Natural Herbs that stimulate anti-PAF activity are known to assist in the treatment of asthma, allergic reactions, thrombosis and shock. One study showed that a 600mg standardised dose of ginkgo reduced airway hypersensitivity in patients with asthma.  

     Availability : Tea leaves,plant & seeds  (WhatsApp : 9858986794)

   

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Paeonia lactiflora (Chinese peony) flower plant

Paeonia lactiflora (Chinese peony, Chinese herbaceous peony, or common garden peony) is a species of herbaceous perennial flowering plant in the family Paeoniaceae, native to central and eastern Asia from eastern Tibet across northern China to Kashmir.

Chinese peony 

Availability : Flower plants
WhatsApp : 9858986794
Mob: 09858986794
Ph : 01933-223705
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com

A Promise of Food

We're on a mission to support everyone in healing themselves, and our Earth, by growing their own food and medicines. Let us show you how you too can secure your food supply and create abundant health - no matter where you are. 

Herbal Seed Store

Availability : Fruit planting material, Herb seeds, Medicinal plants,Dried herbs,Herbal tea's ......

WhatsApp: 9858986794

Mob: 09858986794

Ph: 01933-223705

e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com

rareseeds,rare plants,heirloom seeds,organic seeds india,kashmir,organic seeds in kashmir,exotic seeds,natural seeds

Hope Taliban will deliver good governance following Islamic principles in Afghanistan: Farooq Abdullah “They should try to develop friendly relations with every country,” the National Conference chief told reporters in Srinagar.

A day after the Taliban unveiled the interim government in Afghanistan, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday said he hoped the militant group would “deliver good governance” in accordance with “Islamic principles”. He also urged the country’s new leaders to respect human rights.

“They should try to develop friendly relations with every country,” the National Conference chief told reporters in Srinagar. “They should ensure to protect the human rights of their citizens and give them a just and honourable government under the Islamic rules.”
The Taliban on Tuesday announced that they had appointed Mullah Mohammad Hasan Akhund as the ‘acting’ Prime Minister in the new Afghan government, with Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar and Mullah Abdus Salam being his deputies.

Taliban forces cautions India on army role in Afghanistan

Appreciating India's humanitarian and developmental efforts in Afghanistan such as building the Salma Dam, roads, and other infrastructure projects in the country, the Taliban has asked India to refrain from playing a military role in Afghanistan. 

Speaking to ANI, Qatar-based spokesperson of Taliban Suhail Shaheen said, "What do you mean by military role? If they come to Afghanistan militarily and have their presence. I think that will not be good for them, they have seen the fate of military presence in Afghanistan of other countries. So it is an open book for them. And about their help to the Afghan people or national projects, I think that is something which is appreciated." 

India has been assisting Afghanistan in capacity building, whether it is parliament, schools, roads or dams. India has infused more than USD 2 billion in assistance to Afghanistan. 

"We appreciate everything that has been done for the people of Afghanistan like dams, national projects, infrastructure and anything that is for the development of Afghanistan, for its reconstruction, for economic prosperity and for the people of Afghanistan," Shaheen added. 

Fearing an escalation of violence between Afghan forces and Taliban, many countries including India and the United States had evacuated staff from consulates located in provinces that had fallen under the Taliban. Many countries have cut the number of staff even as the Taliban said that the diplomatic community will not be targeted. 

"About assurance to diplomats and embassies, there is no danger from our side to them. We will not target any embassy, any diplomat that we have said in our statements, not once but many times. So it is our commitment that is being published is in media. On India's concerns, I think it is up to them. About us, our position is clear we are not targeting any diplomat or embassy," Suhail Shahen told ANI. 

Asked about the safety of Sikhs and Hindus living in Afghanistan specifically about the incident when a gurdwara in Paktia province had brought down the Sikh religious flag, the Taliban spokesperson claimed that the flag was brought down by Sikh community themselves and minorities will be allowed to practise their rituals. 

"That flag was removed by the Sikh community there. They removed that themselves. When there were reports in the media, we reached to our officials in Paktika province and informed them about that and then our security forces went to the gurdwara and asked about the problem," said Shaheen, adding the group has assured that the community can perform their religious rituals and ceremonies.