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- She also praised GNDU for its efforts in bridging the gap between academia and industry, adding that the department is working to strengthen the entire value chain “from farm to factory to fork.
- “This step has the potential to create new job opportunities and enhance Punjab’s reputation in global food markets,” she said while chairing a key meeting at Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) in Amritsar.
- The Punjab government is preparing to put Amritsar’s celebrated culinary treasure, the Amritsari Kulcha, on the global food map by seeking a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for the dish.
The Punjab government is preparing to put Amritsar’s celebrated culinary treasure, the Amritsari Kulcha, on the global food map by seeking a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for the dish.
A GI tag is a recognition granted to products that possess unique qualities tied to their place of origin. Officials say that awarding this status to the famed kulcha would not only safeguard its identity but also open new avenues for branding, exports, and tourism.
Principal Secretary of the Food Processing Department, Rakhee Gupta Bhandari, highlighted that the move could significantly boost the city’s culinary legacy. “This step has the potential to create new job opportunities and enhance Punjab’s reputation in global food markets,” she said while chairing a key meeting at Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) in Amritsar.
Strengthening the Food Processing Sector
The meeting, which brought together university faculty, industry associations, and representatives from food processing units, focused on growth strategies for Punjab’s agro-processing sector. Participants discussed opportunities in value-added products such as murabba, pickles, basmati rice, honey, and jaggery.
Bhandari described the food agro-processing industry as a “sunshine sector” with vast potential for both growth and employment. She underscored the importance of building strong supply chain linkages, ensuring sustainable development for food business operators (FBOs).
She also praised GNDU for its efforts in bridging the gap between academia and industry, adding that the department is working to strengthen the entire value chain “from farm to factory to fork.”
Key Proposals and Future Plans
The deliberations touched on several proposals aimed at bolstering infrastructure and innovation. Among them were:
- Establishing food parks and technology exchange platforms.
- Expanding cold storage facilities with support from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
- Enhancing cargo handling for perishables at Amritsar airport.
- Promoting honey exports through Punjab Agro.
Attention was also given to developing processing units for a wide range of local products such as papad, wadian, fruits, vegetables, spices, and jaggery. Ensuring skilled manpower, modern food testing laboratories, and quality standards were identified as crucial next steps.
Preserving Heritage While Creating Opportunities
By seeking a GI tag for Amritsari Kulcha, Punjab aims to preserve its rich culinary heritage while simultaneously strengthening its position in domestic and international markets. Officials believe the recognition could transform Amritsar into a greater hub for food tourism and elevate the broader food processing industry across the state.
