Bhaderwah Rajmash, also known as red kidney beans holds a special place in the hearts and palates of the Chenab Valley residents. This bean is a staple food and a cultural symbol of the area due to its unique flavor and texture.
The produce
Bhaderwah rajmash is a smaller variety with a sweeter, nuttier flavour. It is cultivated as an intercrop with maize because the two together lessen soil erosion on the hillsides. Farmers save their own seeds for the following generation, gathering those with superior genotypes among the population. Before the maize crop is harvested, the rajmash harvest is completed in August or September.
GI tag
With NABARD's assistance, the GI tag was awarded to these beloved beans in 2023 in an effort to raise their profile globally.