Tuesday, August 12, 2025

JK Seed Bank: The Pecan Revolution: How Himalayan Farmers are Em...

JK Seed Bank: The Pecan Revolution: How Himalayan Farmers are Em...: Pecan trees are native to North America, but their cultivation has been introduced in India, primarily in the Himalayan regions . The culti...

Pecan trees are native to North America, but their cultivation has been introduced in India, primarily in the Himalayan regions. The cultivation is still in its initial stages, but it is considered a potentially profitable venture for farmers in these areas.

In Himachal Pradesh alone, approximately 700 acres are dedicated to pecan cultivation in the Kullu, Mandi, Solan, and Kangra districts. Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir is also known as the "Pecans Capital of India."

Ideal Conditions for Pecan Farming:
Climate: Pecans thrive in warm, temperate conditions with long, frost-free growing seasons (240-280 days). They require a moderate rainfall of about 75-100 cm and prefer a mean temperature above 27°C during the growing season.

Soil: The trees need deep, fertile, well-drained soil with a good water-holding capacity. A slightly acidic pH between 5.5 and 7 is considered satisfactory.

Altitude: Pecan trees are well-suited to altitudes between 1,000 and 2,000 meters, making the Indian Himalayan regions ideal.

Cultivation Practices:
Propagation: Pecan trees are typically propagated from seeds. For better germination, seeds are stratified at low temperatures for 12-16 weeks before sowing. High-quality nurseries are being developed through vegetative propagation methods like budding and grafting.

Planting : Trees are planted in late winter or early spring, with a recommended spacing of 10-12 meters for optimal growth and air circulation.

Maturity and Yield: Pecan trees take time to mature. They may start producing a few nuts in 3-4 years, with significant production beginning in the ninth or tenth year. A mature tree can yield up to 30-35 kilograms of nuts annually.

Market Size and Trends in India
While local cultivation is limited, the market for pecans in India is growing rapidly, driven by increased health consciousness and rising disposable incomes. India is currently a net importer of pecans, with significant potential for market expansion.

Market Size and Growth:
The global pecan market was valued at approximately $2.02 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $3.64 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 6.1%.

The overall packaged nuts and seeds market in India is expected to reach $4.96 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8.8% from 2024.

Specific data on the Indian pecan market is limited, but a significant indicator of its growth is the reduction of India's basic customs duty on pecans from 100% to 30% in 2023. This move is expected to boost U.S. pecan exports to India, with projections of annual exports potentially expanding to $2-5 million.

In 2022, the U.S. exported about 109 metric tons of pecans to India, valued at over $1.3 million.

Market Trends:
Premium Product: Pecans are positioned as a "luxury nut" in the Indian market, often endorsed by celebrities to appeal to affluent consumers.

Health and Wellness
: The growing awareness of the health benefits of nuts, such as their high nutritional value, antioxidants, and positive impact on heart health, is a key driver for consumption.

Culinary Applications: Pecans are increasingly used in the bakery and confectionery industries for products like cakes, ice creams, and other desserts.

Consumer Preferences: There is a growing demand for shelled and processed pecans for convenience. The trend of using nuts as a year-round snack, rather than just for specific festivals, is also contributing to market growth.

E-commerce: Online platforms and supermarkets are providing new avenues for marketing and sales, giving farmers and importers direct access to a wider consumer base.

Availability : Planting material/seeds 
WhatsApp : 9858986794
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
PO Box No : 40, GPO Srinagar JK 190001



Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Angelica Root Benefits: A Powerful Herb for Digestion & Immunity

Angelica  roots tea

Angelica root (primarily from Angelica a., European Angelica) has a rich history in traditional European and Scandinavian herbalism, valued for its wide-ranging benefits. 

Important Note: Many uses are traditional and not all are strongly supported by modern clinical research. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using angelica root internally, especially for medicinal purposes, due to potential side effects and interactions.

Here's a breakdown of its traditional and potential benefits:


  1. Digestive Aid:

    • Carminative: Helps relieve gas, bloating, and cramping.


    • Stomachic: Stimulates appetite and improves overall digestive function.


    • Spasmolytic: May help relax smooth muscles in the digestive tract, easing indigestion, colic, and nervous stomach.


    • Bitter Tonic: Stimulates digestive juices (bile, stomach acid), aiding digestion and nutrient absorption.


  2. Respiratory Support:

    • Expectorant: Helps loosen and expel mucus from the lungs and airways, making it useful for coughs, colds, bronchitis, and congestion.


    • Antispasmodic: May help ease spasmodic coughs (like whooping cough) and soothe irritated respiratory passages.


  3. Circulatory & Cardiovascular:

    • Peripheral Circulatory Stimulant: Traditionally used to improve blood flow to the extremities (hands and feet), potentially helping with mild Raynaud's phenomenon or cold hands/feet.


    • Gentle Blood Tonic: Sometimes used to support overall circulatory health.

    • (Caution: Contains coumarins, which can thin blood. Contraindicated with blood thinners like Warfarin).


  4. Nervous System Support:

    • Nervine: Traditionally used to calm nervous tension, mild anxiety, and stress. Believed to have a grounding effect.


    • Adaptogen (Potential): Some herbalists classify it as a mild adaptogen, helping the body cope with stress.


  5. Immune System Support:

    • Antimicrobial/Antifungal: Some studies suggest components in angelica root (like essential oils and coumarins) have activity against certain bacteria and fungi. Traditionally used during cold/flu season.


    • Diaphoretic: Promotes sweating, helping to break fevers during infections.


    • Women's Health (Use with Extreme Caution):


    • Emmenagogue: Traditionally used to stimulate menstrual flow in cases of delayed or scanty periods.

    • Uterine Tonic: Used historically to tone the uterus (often after childbirth, but timing is critical).


    • (Major Contraindication: Absolutely avoid during pregnancy as it can stimulate uterine contractions and potentially cause miscarriage. Avoid during heavy menstrual bleeding.)


  6. Anti-inflammatory & Pain Relief:

    • Traditional use includes easing joint pain and inflammation associated with arthritis and rheumatism (often used topically as well as internally).

    • May help soothe muscle aches.


  7. Culinary & Brewing Uses:

    • Flavoring: Imparts a complex, musky, earthy, slightly sweet and bitter flavor. Used in liqueurs (e.g., Chartreuse, Benedictine, Gin), bitters, candied as a confection, and in some traditional European dishes.


    • Preservative: Historically used due to its antimicrobial properties.


  8. Topical Applications:

    • Traditionally used in washes or poultices for skin conditions like psoriasis, itching, and minor wounds due to potential antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.

    • (Caution: Can cause photosensitivity - skin becomes more sensitive to sunlight - increasing risk of sunburn. Avoid sun exposure after topical use).


Key Active Constituents:

  • Volatile Oils: (e.g., pinene, limonene, phellandrene) - Contribute to digestive, expectorant, and antimicrobial effects.


  • Coumarins: (e.g., bergapten, osthol, angelicin) - Responsible for blood-thinning effects, photosensitivity, and some antispasmodic/anti-inflammatory actions.


  • Furanocoumarins: Specifically cause photosensitivity.

  • Bitter Principles: Stimulate digestion.

  • Organic Acids

  • Flavonoids

  • Plant Sterols

Crucial Safety Considerations & Contraindications:


  1. Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: STRICTLY AVOID. Angelica root is a known uterine stimulant and can cause miscarriage.


  2. Bleeding Disorders & Surgery: Due to coumarins, it can increase bleeding risk. Avoid if you have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood thinners (Warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel, etc.). Stop using at least 2 weeks before surgery.


  3. Diabetes: May lower blood sugar levels. Monitor closely if diabetic and using medication.


  4. Photosensitivity: Increases skin sensitivity to UV light (sunlight, tanning beds). Avoid excessive sun exposure and UV light during use, especially topically. Can cause severe sunburn.


  5. Kidney Issues: Large doses may irritate the kidneys. Avoid if you have kidney disease.

  6. Hormone-Sensitive Conditions: May have estrogenic effects. Avoid if you have breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids.


  7. Children: Generally not recommended.

  8. Drug Interactions: Can interact significantly with blood thinners, diabetes medications, and photosensitizing drugs. 


  9. Always consult a doctor or pharmacist before use if taking any medications.


  10. Dosage & Duration: Long-term use or high doses are not recommended due to potential toxicity (especially furanocoumarins). Use under the guidance of a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider.


  11. Quality: Source from reputable institutions to ensure correct species and purity. Avoid contaminated or improperly stored root.

In Summary:

Angelica root is a versatile herb with a long history of use for digestion, respiratory health, circulation, and as a nervine. Its unique flavor also makes it valuable in culinary and brewing applications. However, its potent effects and significant safety concerns (especially pregnancy, bleeding, and photosensitivity) demand extreme caution and professional guidance. It is not a casual herbal tea but a powerful medicinal herb requiring respect and knowledge. Never self-treat serious conditions with angelica root.

Availability : Seed/plant.roots
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e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com

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Monday, August 4, 2025

JK Seed Bank: From Fields to Pharmacy: The Story of Capsella bur...

JK Seed Bank: From Fields to Pharmacy: The Story of Capsella bur...: Shepherd's purse , scientifically known as Capsella bursa-pastoris , is a small, annual wildflower with a long history of both culinary ...

Shepherd's pursescientifically known as Capsella bursa-pastoris, is a small, annual wildflower with a long history of both culinary and medicinal uses. It's characterized by its heart-shaped seed pods and is known for its ability to thrive in diverse environments. 

Monday, July 28, 2025

Cultivating Podophyllum hexandrum: A High-Altitude Treasure in Kashmir

Podophyllum hexandrum, also known as the Himalayan May Apple, is a medicinal plant with a variety of uses, primarily in traditional medicine. It is known for its anticancer properties, particularly due to the presence of podophyllotoxin, which is used in the synthesis of anti-cancer drugs like etoposide and teniposide. Additionally, it has been traditionally used to treat skin diseases, digestive issues, and as a purgative and laxative. 
Specific Uses:
Anticancer Podophyllotoxin, found in the rhizomes, is a key ingredient in the synthesis of drugs like etoposide and teniposide, which are used in the treatment of various cancers including lung cancer, leukemia, and other solid tumors. 

Skin Diseases The crushed leaves and roots are used to treat skin diseases, rashes, and eczema. 

Digestive Issues Ripe fruit juice is traditionally used for stomach ulcers and dyspepsia, and the fruit itself is eaten raw for chest congestion and gastric problems. 

Purgative and Laxative The rhizome powder is used as a purgative and laxative, and the resin is used in veterinary medicine as a cathartic for dogs. 

Traditional Medicine In various regions, it is used to treat a wide range of ailments including colds, constipation, septic wounds, burning sensations, erysipelas, mental disorders, plague, allergic and inflammatory skin conditions, and even some forms of cancer. 

Other The pericarp of the mature red fruit is used to treat eye wounds in cattle. 

Availability : 50, 100,500 seeds pkt
WhatsApp : 9858986794
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com 

JK Seed Bank: Ginseng roots India

JK Seed Bank: Ginseng roots India: Ginseng roots come from plants in the Panax genus (e.g., Panax ginseng or ( Himalayan Ginseng ) and are prized for their adaptogenic and me...

Ginkgo Biloba Trees Now Available Online in India – Best Nurseries to Order From

Available ; Trees/Seedlings
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e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com


Sunday, July 27, 2025

Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre: Where to buy Shilajit

Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre: Where to buy Shilajit: Shilajit for sale The creator of the universe has created thousands and thousands of resources and things for the good and improvement of ma...
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Friday, July 25, 2025

From China's Temples to Kashmir's Gardens: The Ginkgo Biloba Odyssey

 trade and connectivity corridor that has been a vital bridge of 
historical connections between Kashmir and Central Asia (KazakhstanKyrgyzstanTajikistanTurkmenistan
Uzbekistan) for centuries. The people of Kashmir used 
this highway for their trade until 1947. 

Thanks to this route, treesplantsflowers and herbs from various countries have made their home in Kashmir, the most prominent of which is the Ginkgo biloba tree.

Availability : Ginkgo biloba leaf/plants
-------------------------------------------------------
Origon : China
Source : Cultivated 
WhatsApp  9858986794
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
JKMPIC-POB 40 GPO Srinagar Kashmir, JK 190001
Ginkgo trees in Kashmir

Thursday, July 24, 2025

From Garden to Gourmet: How Restaurants Are Using Angelica Spice

Angelica spice Kashmir

Angelica spice, often derived from the roots of the Angelica plant, is a fragrant herb used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. It has a distinctive, slightly sweet and earthy flavor with a celery-like aroma. Beyond its flavor profile, angelica is known for potential digestive and other health benefits. 

Angelica (Angelica Kashmir ) is an aromatic herb and spice with a long history in European, Middle
Eastern, and Asian cuisines. Though not very common in Indian restaurants, some gourmet and fusion restaurants, herbal cafes, or health-focused establishments do use it for its distinct flavor and medicinal properties.

How Angelica Is Used in Restaurants:

1. As a Spice in Cooking:

Seeds & Roots: Used for flavoring meats, stews, soups, and sauces. Tastes similar to fennel or celery but slightly more bitter and herbal.

Stems: Often candied and used in desserts, especially in European and French patisserie.

Leaves: Occasionally used to flavor fish, salads, or broths.

2. In Beverages:
Infused in herbal teas, tonic waters, or bitters.

A key ingredient in gin (used in botanical blends).
Sometimes found in craft cocktails for its aromatic bitterness.

3. As a Garnish or Decoration:
Candied angelica stem is used to decorate cakes and pastries.

Restaurants Likely to Use Angelica:
Farm-to-table or organic restaurants
Scandinavian/Nordic cuisine restaurants
Gourmet European bakeries
Herbal cafes or Ayurvedic food outlets
Fusion restaurants using medicinal herbs

Flavor Profile:
Earthy, slightly sweet, bitter, and musky
A cross between celery and licorice

Culinary Uses:
Seasoning : Angelica root can be used as a seasoning, particularly in spice blends, to add a subtle sweetness and aromatic complexity. 

Flavoring : It's used to flavor various dishes, including meats, poultry, vegetables, and soups. 
Tea : Angelica root can be steeped in hot water to create a soothing and aromatic tea. 
Liqueurs and Spirits : Angelica is a key ingredient in some liqueurs, such as gin and bitters, due to its aromatic properties. 

Confectionery : It's also used in some confectionery and baked goods to enhance their flavor. 

Medicinal Uses:
Digestive Aid : Angelica is traditionally used to aid digestion, potentially relieving bloating, gas, and indigestion. 

Other Benefits : Some sources suggest it may help with wound healing, and menopausal symptoms, and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Important Considerations:
Toxicity : While generally safe in moderate amounts, angelica root contains compounds that can increase sun sensitivity and cause dermatitis in some individuals. 

Availability : Seed/Roots/Leaves
WhatsApp : 9858986794
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com


Ginkgo House: Pioneering Medicinal Plant Research in the Himalayas

https://ginkgohouse.blogspot.com

From Leaf to Lab: Ginkgo House’s Role in Herbal Science

Ginkgo House is increasingly becoming a hub for cutting-edge research centered around Ginkgo biloba, one of the oldest living tree species known for its medicinal and ecological importance. The facility is dedicated to exploring the plant's therapeutic potential, genetic diversity, and cultivation techniques, particularly in cold or temperate climates like those found in Kashmir and the Himalayan belt.

Research initiatives at Ginkgo House focus on :

Medicinal Applications: Investigating Ginkgo's neuroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties in both traditional and modern pharmacology.

Conservation Genetics: Preserving genetic purity and studying biodiversity through seed banks and DNA profiling.

Agroforestry Systems: Developing sustainable models for integrating Ginkgo cultivation into local farming practices.

Climate Adaptation: Studying the resilience of Ginkgo biloba in changing climatic conditions, especially in high-altitude or drought-prone regions.

Ginkgo House collaborates with botanical institutions, university departments, and independent researchers, contributing significantly to the global knowledge pool on medicinal trees. It also serves as an educational center for students, herbalists, and progressive farmers looking to integrate high-value trees into their landscapes.

For more information
Head,
Ginkgo House, Shaheed-e-Azemat Road, Pampore, Pulwama, South Kashmir, JK 192121
POB 40 GPO Srinagar, Kashmir, JK 190001
Ph/WhatsApp: 9858986794
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com


Conium maculatum and Cancer: Ancient Poison, Modern Potential

Conium maculatum (poison hemlock) has been studied in medical and pharmacological experiments primarily for its toxicologyneuropharmacological effects, and potential therapeutic uses in controlled settings. While its extreme toxicity limits practical medical application, it has been of interest in laboratory studies and homeopathic research.
Availability : Whole plant
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e-mail : jkmpic@gmail.com

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

The Royal Charm of the Princess Tree in Full Bloom

Paulownia tomentosa, commonly known as the Empress or Princess Tree, is admired for its striking beauty.  It features large, heart-shaped leaves and, in the spring, produces  showy, lavender to purple,   trumpet-shaped flowers before the leaves emerge. These flowers, often fragrant, create a  stunning display against the blue spring sky.  The tree's rapid growth and large leaves also contribute to its aesthetic appeal, especially when coppiced to produce dramatic, oversized foliage. 
Paulownia tomentosa tree seeds

More detailed look at its beauty :

Flowers : The tree's most prominent feature is its early spring blossoms. These are large, upright panicles of fragrant, lavender-purple, trumpet-shaped flowers.
 
Leaves : Paulownia tomentosa has large, heart-shaped leaves that can be 20-30 cm (or even larger on coppiced trees). They are a vibrant green above and pale green and hairy (tomentose) below. 

Form
 : The tree has a rounded, umbrella-shaped crown, making it a visually appealing specimen tree for lawns and gardens. 

Growth : Its rapid growth rate adds to its allure, with some specimens growing 3-6 meters in a single year. Coppicing (cutting it back to the ground in early spring) results in enormous leaves, adding to its unique aesthetic appeal. 

Note:- the Empress tree (Paulownia tomentosa) can tolerate hot climates, though it may need some extra care during heat waves. While it's known for its resilience to both cold and heat, withstanding temperatures from -20°C to 35°C, extreme heat can cause issues like leaf scorching and wilting. 

Availability : Plant/seeds
(25,50, 100 seeds pkts)
WhatsApp : +91-9858986794
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com

The Paulownia tomentosa, also known as the Empress Tree or Princess Tree, is considered one of the most beautiful ornamental trees in the world. 

JK Seed Bank: The Pecan Revolution: How Himalayan Farmers are Em...

JK Seed Bank: The Pecan Revolution: How Himalayan Farmers are Em... : Pecan trees are native to North America, but their cultivation has be...