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| Gojiberry farming in Kashmir |
In 2008, I began researching Goji Berry (Lycium barbarum), a medicinal fruit that was almost unknown in India at the time. During my surveys, I learned that although Goji Berry is native to China, it also grows in parts of the greater Himalayan region, including areas around Gilgit and Kashmir.
While searching for authentic planting material, I traveled to the Sinthan Top region of Kishtwar in Jammu and Kashmir, where I found naturally growing Goji Berry plants. However, I observed that wild animals frequently grazed on the young plants, making it difficult to collect sufficient material for propagation.
A significant breakthrough came when I met visitors from Gilgit (now administered by Pakistan). During our discussions in Srinagar, I expressed my interest in obtaining genuine Goji Berry plants. They introduced me to the Madina Fruit Scientific Center in Gilgit (Pakistan) and later arranged for planting material to be sent to Srinagar through the Cross-Line of Control (Cross-LoC) Trade route, which was operational at that time.
After receiving the plants, I worked extensively to multiply them through tissue culture with the assistance of a local laboratory. The project was successful, allowing the production of a large number of healthy, disease-free plants.
Since 2009, these Goji Berry plants have been distributed and cultivated in Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, and several parts of Jammu. Over the years, approximately one million plants have been supplied to farmers, nurseries, and horticultural growers, helping introduce Goji Berry cultivation to new regions of India.
This journey—from obtaining planting material associated with Gilgit to establishing Goji Berry cultivation across different Indian states—has been an important milestone in promoting this valuable medicinal and nutraceutical crop.
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