From the Walnut Processing Facility at the Youth Center, Drugmulla, Kupwara, Project Jazba turns the valley's finest walnuts into handcrafted, organically prepared delicacies. Each jar is made by local women, supporting walnut farmers and creating sustainable livelihoods across North Kashmir.
Set up at the Youth Center in Drugmulla, the Walnut Processing Facility is a key initiative under Project Jazba, driven in collaboration with SIDBI and led by the TYCIA Foundation. What began in Phase I as a tourism livelihood effort for 50 families has grown, in Phase II, into a thriving facility dedicated to walnut farmers, local women, and unemployed youth.
Ten local women, trained under a professional trainer, run the facility and produce every jar by hand. Working closely with 10 to 15 local walnut farmers, the facility gives them a stable, sustainable market while strengthening the valley's agricultural practices. The result is a flourishing model of women's empowerment, self-reliance, and rural innovation.
Organically prepared and handcrafted by local women, Jazba products preserve Kashmir's cultural heritage while building sustainable livelihoods and economic empowerment.
Jazba Walnut Chutney is the facility's flagship product. Walnuts are blended with chilli powder using machine-based grinders, carefully heated to the right consistency and flavour, then hand-filled into glass jars of around 400 grams by the skilled women of the facility.
Walnut Choco Dates are prepared by stuffing high-quality dates with a mixture of honey and walnut, then covering them with a layer of premium chocolate. The result is a wholesome, indulgent treat that brings together the goodness of dates and walnuts.
Walnut Choco Rock is made by coating walnut kernels with a layer of white cream chocolate, giving them a unique and rich flavour. Each piece is hand-finished and packed at the facility, offering a delightful bite-sized indulgence.
The Walnut Processing Facility stands as a promising example of rural innovation, community empowerment, and sustainable agricultural practices. By using local resources and empowering the community, it has already made a significant impact on the local economy, providing employment to women and a reliable market for farmers.
The facility not only generates employment but also nurtures a sense of community and self-reliance among its workers. Aligned with the vision of Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, it preserves the region's cultural heritage while promoting environmental sustainability.
As the project continues to grow, it is expected to expand its outreach, creating more opportunities for local employment. Jazba products are steadily reaching vast areas in the valley and are poised to launch on e-commerce platforms, with the hope of making a positive impact for years to come.
Look for Jazba Walnut Chutney, Walnut Choco Dates, and Walnut Choco Rock at outlets across Kupwara and the wider valley, or at exhibitions and fairs that feature frontier products.
Every purchase supports the women and walnut farmers of Drugmulla and helps keep the spirit of Project Jazba alive, honouring the land, its people, and the traditions of North Kashmir.
Azad Hussain Pir: +91 70065 31449
Pir Azhar: +91 88035 25354
