Upscaling Udhampur’s Kaladi

Kaladi, the traditional dairy delicacy of Udhampur, has long been a familiar presence in local households, valued for its fresh taste, soft texture, and deep cultural associations. Its recent recognition and the growing attention it has received reflect a broader understanding that traditional foods are not only part of cultural memory but also hold meaningful economic potential. The effort to gently upscale Kaladi through scientific support represents a careful attempt to protect this heritage while opening new opportunities for producers and consumers alike.

At the heart of this initiative is the understanding that authenticity matters. Kaladi’s identity is shaped by traditional methods, the use of full-fat milk, and local knowledge passed down through generations. Any effort to modernize such a product must therefore proceed with sensitivity. The goal is not to alter its nature but to address practical challenges that have limited its reach, particularly its short shelf life. By extending durability through safe and well-tested food technologies, Kaladi can travel beyond local markets while remaining true to its original character. Scientific interventions, when applied thoughtfully, can help strengthen traditional products rather than weaken them. Nutrient profiling, improved packaging, and controlled processing can ensure quality, safety, and consistency without compromising flavour or texture. Such measures also help build consumer confidence, making it easier for the product to find acceptance in wider markets. Importantly, these steps are intended to support artisans and small producers, not replace their role in the value chain. Collaboration between research institutions and local communities is central to this process. By documenting regional preparation practices and understanding variations across areas, science can help identify common approaches suitable for scaling up. This ensures that traditional knowledge is respected and preserved even as production becomes more organized. The process also creates space for learning on both sides, with researchers gaining insight into indigenous practices and producers benefiting from technical guidance. Policy support further strengthens this effort. Initiatives that link local products to national markets create an environment where traditional foods can grow sustainably. For Kaladi, this means better market access, improved income stability for dairy farmers, and new opportunities for rural youth. When heritage products are supported through thoughtful policy and institutional backing, they can become reliable sources of livelihood rather than seasonal or informal enterprises. There is also a cultural dimension to this transition. Traditional foods carry stories of place, people, and practice. Preserving these stories alongside scientific upscaling is essential. Branding and promotion that highlight Kaladi’s regional roots can help ensure that its identity remains visible even as it reaches new consumers. In this way, cultural continuity and commercial growth can reinforce each other. The exploration of new culinary uses adds another layer of opportunity. Retaining the essential qualities of Kaladi in diverse recipes and formats can attract wider interest. Innovation in this context is meant to expand appreciation rather than redefine the product. Such balanced experimentation can help Kaladi find a place in contemporary kitchens while retaining its traditional appeal.

Ultimately, the effort to upscale Kaladi represents a model for integrating tradition with modernity. It shows how science, policy, and community knowledge can work together to unlock economic potential without cultural loss. If pursued with care, this approach can ensure that Kaladi not only survives but thrives, carrying the flavour of Udhampur from local kitchens to national and global tables while sustaining the livelihoods that have shaped it for generations. Finally, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh’s decisive intervention sends a clear message that India’s traditional heritage will no longer be left to stagnate due to neglect or outdated approaches. By forcefully pushing value addition without allowing any dilution of Kaladi’s original identity, he has shown how science must actively protect culture, livelihoods, and regional pride. His assertive vision under the ODOP framework strengthens rural economies in Jammu and Kashmir and firmly positions indigenous products for confident national and global recognition.