Bhaderwah in Doda district in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is an unexplored ancient valley blessed with stunning natural beauty, lush greenery, snow – capped mountains and the waters of the Neeru River. This valley is truly bewitching offering a different panoramic view in every season.
The prevailing agro – climatic conditions (high altitude of 1300 – 1900 metres above mean sea level, cold winters, hot summers and adequate annual rainfall and soil rich in organic matter and excellent ground water) are conducive for growing diverse crops of which rajmash is the most valuable cash crop.
The rajmash grown in the nearby Chinta valley is deemed to be one of the finest grown at such a high altitude and is titled as Bhaderwah rajmash. This particular variety of rajmash is cultivated by small and marginal farmers in the blocks of Assar, Bhaderwah, Ghat Doda, Bhagwah, Bhalla, Gundna, Marmat and Thathri of Doda district as well as in the districts of Ramban and Kishtwar.
Farmers rely on intercropping rajmash with maize as it generates higher income, increases productivity of both crops, improves the soil condition and helps reduce soil erosion in the hilly area.
Traditional farming practices, use of organic manure and zero pesticides greatly attribute to the high – quality of the crop (bright reddish – maroon colour, small size, texture, sweetness, flavour, good cooking qualities and easy digestibility).
This annual crop is sown in April – May and harvested in 2 or 3 pickings at 7 – 10 days interval. The crop is dried in the sun for a week after harvesting, threshed, cleaned, dried again and stored in tin bins for 1 – 2 years. The seeds from the previous harvest are normally used for the next cycle.
Bhaderwah rajmash is rich in protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber and antioxidants. This delicious rajmash was awarded the Geographical Indication Tag (GI) in 2023.
Written by Lakshmi Subramanian
sahasa.in 
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