Umaisar Gull Ganie
Kokernag, Mar 13: Nagam village in the Kokernag area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district is gaining recognition for its traditional bakery products, which have found their way to the United States and several other foreign countries due to their distinctive taste.
Local bakers said that the village has a long-standing tradition of preparing Kashmiri bakery items, which are now reaching overseas markets informally through relatives and traders living abroad. They said the unique flavour, traditional preparation methods and use of quality ingredients have made these products popular among Kashmiris living overseas.
Residents said visitors to the area often carry these bakery items to countries such as the United States and parts of Europe, where the demand for traditional Kashmiri bakery products continues to grow.
Ghulam Mohammad Malik, an elderly resident, said the bakery profession in the village began nearly four decades ago. He said Nagam Bakery has earned a strong reputation because of the quality ingredients used in its preparation.
“High-quality ingredients are used in the traditional bakery here. Bakers from this village have reached every corner of India due to the unique taste of their products,” he said.
He added that the bakery items are now reaching countries like the United States and Saudi Arabia, as people travelling abroad often carry them along. “Even Hajj pilgrims take these bakery items to Saudi Arabia and preserve them for months,” he said.
Malik said the business has been expanding steadily, with many young people in the village now earning a livelihood through bakery units.
“Around 15 bakery shops are operating in this single village, and the younger generation is also actively joining the trade,” he said.
He added that with limited employment opportunities in the Valley, small business ventures like a bakery provide a reliable source of income.
Locals said many people from neighbouring villages are also finding employment in Nagam’s bakery shops, with each unit employing around six to ten workers.
Mohammad Iqbal Shah, whose father introduced the bakery business in the village, said their products are well known across the Valley and are now reaching foreign countries as well.
“Our bakery products are known for their taste, and customers are attracted to the village for this reason. We receive orders throughout the year, especially during weddings and other functions. Around 200 people in the village are associated with this business,” he said.
Another baker, Bashir Ahmed, said the use of high-quality ingredients like pure ghee has contributed to the popularity of the bakery products.
He said the items are now reaching countries such as the United States, Saudi Arabia and Russia, while the business itself has been firmly established in the village for nearly two decades.
He said that many young people are now turning to the bakery as a source of livelihood. “There are very limited employment opportunities in Kashmir, so starting small businesses like bakery units is a better option for many youth,” he said.
