World Food Safety Day, observed annually on June 7th, aims to draw global attention to the health consequences of contaminated food and water. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018, this day underscores the need for sustainable food systems and the importance of food safety in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Food safety is crucial for public health, economic development, and international trade. In Kashmir, a region with rich agricultural traditions and unique culinary heritage, ensuring food safety is particularly important given the local reliance on agriculture and food-related industries. This article explores the significance of World Food Safety Day, the current food safety landscape in Kashmir, and highlights local initiatives and success stories that are making strides in this vital area.
Food safety involves handling, preparing, and storing food in ways that prevent food-borne illnesses. It covers various aspects, including production, processing, distribution, and consumption. Unsafe food can lead to numerous health problems, from diarrhea to more severe illnesses such as cancer. According to the World Health Organization, contaminated food affects one in ten people worldwide each year, underscoring the critical need for stringent food safety measures.
Globally, food safety is a pressing concern. Outbreaks of food-borne diseases can severely impact public health systems and economies, with vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly, being particularly at risk. Food safety is integral to achieving several SDGs, including Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12). Efforts to improve food safety contribute to sustainable development by ensuring that everyone has access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food. In India, with its vast and diverse food production systems, faces significant food safety challenges. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is the regulatory body responsible for ensuring the quality and safety of food in the country. It sets standards for food products, conducts inspections, and oversees compliance with regulations. Despite these efforts, issues such as pesticide residues, adulteration, and lack of awareness about hygiene practices continue to pose risks to food safety in India. Talking about Kashmir, which is renowned for its rich agricultural landscape and unique food products such as saffron, apples, almonds and walnuts, faces distinct food safety challenges and opportunities. The region’s food safety initiatives must consider the local context, including its agricultural practices, climatic conditions, and socio-economic factors.
Agricultural Practices: Traditional agricultural practices in Kashmir often rely on chemical pesticides and fertilizers, which can lead to residues in food products. The challenge is to balance the need for high yields with the imperative of maintaining food safety. The animal wastes, which was extensively used as manure in the agricultural fields not only provide the soil the nutrients essentially required for the growth of the plants but increases fertility in the soil too. However, from the past few years this traditional practice of manuring the fields has declined due to the availability of chemicalised fertilizers and pesticides. This chemical treatment elevates the likelihood of residual chemicals remaining in the crop yields.
Infrastructure: Inadequate infrastructure for food processing, storage, and transportation can lead to contamination and spoilage. The lack of cold chain facilities and modern storage solutions exacerbates this problem. In Kashmir, due to harsh cold climate in winters the storage of the food gains, fruits both dry and wet was mandatorily made in wooden rooms which was kept completely air tight and moisture free. This practice would generally increase the shelf life of the stored crop production. However, due to the rapid expansion in the population these wooden storage rooms were replaced by concrete rooms which decrease the shelf life of the food, add moisture and create seeping in the fresh fruits. This consequently heightens the risk of further crop damage.
Awareness and Education: Many farmers and food handlers in Kashmir lack adequate knowledge about food safety standards and practices. This gap in awareness can lead to improper handling and storage of food products, increasing the risk of contamination. By providing enough information about the transportation, storage and handling of the food production, the farmers in Kashmir not only increase the shelf life of the yield but can reduce the risk of getting their food grains rotten. Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring compliance with food safety regulations is a significant challenge, given the diverse and often fragmented nature of food production in the region. Small-scale farmers and producers may find it difficult to meet stringent regulatory requirements without adequate support and resources.
Despite these challenges, various initiatives and success stories from Kashmir demonstrate the region’s commitment to improving food safety. One of the significant steps towards enhancing food safety in Kashmir is the promotion of organic farming. Organic farming eliminates the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, thereby reducing the risk of harmful residues in food products. Organizations such as the Jammu and Kashmir State Organic Mission are working to convert traditional farms into organic ones. Kashmir’s saffron, known for its high quality, has seen significant improvements in safety and quality through organic farming practices. Farmers in the Pampore region, famous for saffron cultivation, have adopted organic methods to grow saffron. This shift not only ensures safer produce but also commands higher prices in the market due to its purity and superior quality. Similarly, Good Agricultural Practices are being promoted among farmers to ensure the safety and quality of food products. GAP includes guidelines on proper use of pesticides, hygiene measures, and safe handling practices. Take for instance Apple farming in Kashmir, which is a major agricultural activity in Kashmir. The introduction of GAP in apple orchards has helped reduce pesticide residues and improve the overall quality of apples. Farmers receive training on the judicious use of pesticides, proper irrigation methods, and post-harvest handling to ensure that the apples meet food safety standards.
Investments in infrastructure, like cold storage and modern processing units, are vital for food safety in Kashmir. These facilities, established in apple-producing areas like Shopian, Pulwama, and Sopore, reduce post-harvest losses and maintain freshness. Awareness programs, including those by SKUAST, educate farmers and handlers on food safety standards, hygiene, and proper storage methods, improving overall practices.
The government of Jammu and Kashmir has launched several initiatives and schemes to promote food safety in the region. These programs aim to provide financial assistance, infrastructure support, and technical guidance to farmers and food producers. The IDDS focuses on enhancing the safety and quality of dairy products in Kashmir. Under this scheme, beneficiaries receive subsidies for setting up dairy farms and procuring equipment such as milking machines and bulk milk cooling units. The scheme also provides training on hygienic milk production and handling practices. As a result, the dairy sector in Kashmir has seen improvements in both productivity and food safety standards. Walnuts are one of Kashmir’s key agricultural exports. However, traditional processing methods often resulted in contamination and quality issues. To address this, the Jammu and Kashmir Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation introduced modern processing units with improved hygiene standards.
The introduction of these units has significantly improved the quality and safety of Kashmiri walnuts. The nuts are now processed in clean, controlled environments, reducing the risk of contamination. This transformation has not only enhanced the marketability of Kashmiri walnuts but also ensured that consumers receive a safer product. Kashmiri saffron is renowned for its flavor, color, and medicinal properties. However, the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in saffron cultivation posed food safety risks. To address this, several saffron farmers in Pampore adopted organic farming practices and pursued organic certification. The transition to organic farming has yielded positive results. The certified organic saffron is free from harmful residues, ensuring safety for consumers. Additionally, the organic certification has opened up new markets and commanded premium prices, benefiting the farmers economically. This case study highlights the dual benefits of food safety and economic gains through organic certification.
Technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing food safety. From traceability systems to mobile apps providing real-time information, technological advancements are transforming the food safety landscape in Kashmir Implementing traceability systems allows for tracking food products from farm to table. This ensures transparency and accountability in the food supply chain, making it easier to identify and address potential contamination sources. Several apple orchards in Kashmir have adopted traceability systems, allowing consumers to trace the journey of their apples from the orchard to their homes. This transparency builds consumer trust and ensures that any issues can be quickly identified and rectified.
Mobile applications provide farmers and food handlers with access to critical information on food safety practices, market prices, and weather conditions. These apps enable informed decision-making and prompt responses to potential food safety risks. The Kisan Suvidha app, developed by the Indian government, is widely used by farmers in Kashmir. The app provides real-time information on weather forecasts, market prices, and best practices for food safety. By leveraging this information, farmers can make better decisions that enhance the safety and quality of their produce. Ensuring food safety is not just the responsibility of farmers and regulatory bodies; it requires active participation from the entire community. Education and awareness campaigns play a crucial role in this regard.
Educating young students about food safety can create a generation that is more conscious of hygiene and safe food practices. Schools in Kashmir have started incorporating food safety education into their curriculums. Several schools in Srinagar have established Food Safety Clubs. These clubs engage students in activities and workshops that teach them about the importance of food safety, hygiene, and proper nutrition. Students learn about the farm-to-fork journey of food and the practices necessary to keep it safe. Public awareness campaigns through media, workshops, and community events help spread the message of food safety to a broader audience.
Local media in Kashmir actively promote food safety through segments in social media, newspapers, and radio. These segments discuss common issues, offer handling tips, and highlight regional success stories, shaping public attitudes. Future efforts can focus on research and development for innovative food safety methods. Bio-pesticides are being explored as safer alternatives to chemicals, reducing risks to both humans and the environment. Collaboration among government, research, and private sectors can drive best practices and innovations. Public-private partnerships in food processing enhance safety and quality effectively. Strengthening food safety inspections, as pursued by the Jammu and Kashmir government, aids in early detection and prevention. Recognizing World Food Safety Day underscores the vital need for safe, nutritious food in Kashmir, where agriculture is paramount. Through investment in education, technology, and collaboration, Kashmir can further ensure food safety and quality, contributing to global goals.
