<ul><li>Kashmir’s <keyword id="23258755" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="saffron-farming" source="keywords">saffron farming</keyword> has come under threat from <keyword id="19942740" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="global-warming" source="keywords">global warming</keyword>.</li><li>Declining yields have resulted in production dropping to 15 tons annually.</li><li>Erratic weather patterns, unseasonable warmth, and diminishing snowfall have disrupted the balance required for <keyword id="23258756" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="saffron-cultivation" source="keywords">saffron cultivation</keyword>.</li></ul>Saffron has long been more than just a crop for the people of Kashmir valley, it is a symbol of heritage and a vital source of income for local farmers. But its farming is facing significant sustainability and livelihood issues, highlighting the urgent need for suitable technologies to combat global warming. As global temperatures rise, the very foundations of this traditional cultivation industry are under siege. Erratic weather patterns, unseasonable warmth, and diminishing snowfall have disrupted the delicate balance required for saffron cultivation. <keyword id="23258754" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="saffron-production" source="keywords">Saffron production</keyword>, which once reached nearly 17 tons annually, has now declined and stabilised at around 15 tons per year. Farmers who have invested their lives in saffron farming are now facing uncertainty and declining yields, jeopardizing their livelihoods. However, the technology and research being developed by the Advanced Research Centre for Saffron and Seed Spices in the Pampore district of Jammu and Kashmir – the only Saffron research centre in India – is continuously engaged in increasing the production of the crop. "Due to changing weather patterns, the research centre has developed an irrigation schedule for saffron farmers. This schedule, detailing when and how much irrigation the crop requires, has been shared with the Department of Agriculture. The research centre has provided comprehensive guidance covering all aspects of saffron cultivation, from land preparation and seed sowing to intercultural operations, harvesting, and post-harvest management, which is now accessible to our farmers," Bashir Ahmad Ilahi, Professor in Head Saffron Research Station, Pampore, told ANI. He said that saffron seeds are ideally sown in late July, with the crucial condition that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. "The flowers typically begin to bloom between October 10 and 15, and harvesting occurs regularly by November 15. Once sown, the saffron crop can yield new produce for the next 4 to 5 years," Ilahi said. This delicate spice is cultivated across 3,500 hectares by generations of dedicated growers. Abdul Majeed Wani, a Saffron grower, told ANI that his family has been engaged in saffron farming for decades, particularly in the Pampore area of Kashmir. "Unfortunately, saffron production has declined in recent years. While India's demand for saffron reaches nearly 50 tons, we only produce about 10 to 12 tons. To support saffron farmers, the Indian government established a Saffron Park in Pampore in 2014, which became operational in 2020. Over 500 farmers bring their harvests here for testing, drying, and marketing. The facility also provides a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, which helps prevent adulteration and ensures the quality of our saffron," Wani said. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally promoted GI-tagged saffron, ensuring customers receive authentic saffron thanks to this certification. "All saffron farmers sell their products at the Saffron Park within two months. This facility houses the only authenticated saffron laboratory in Asia, specifically designed to meet the demands of Kashmiri saffron. While saffron is also produced in Iran and Afghanistan, Kashmiri saffron is classified as Grade 1, renowned for its superior quality," he said. Wani said that the world's best saffron is produced in Pampore, where prices range from 1.10 lakh to 1.25 lakh per kilogram. "Since the establishment of the Saffron Park, we have been able to sell saffron for as much as 2.50 lakh per kilogram. Pampore stands as the major hub for saffron farming in the region. "Global warming has contributed to a decline in saffron crops, with untimely rainfall adversely affecting production. Previously, annual yields ranged from 15 to 17 tons, but this has decreased in recent years. Fortunately, last year saw timely rainfall, allowing the crop to recover to previous levels. This year, the rain has arrived on time once again, and we remain hopeful that the crop will be plentiful," he added. Ashraf Gull, Saffron grower and trader from Pampore, told ANI that he is both a saffron farmer and trader, specializing in organic saffron. "Our production ranges from 10 to 15 tons, but it is declining due to climate change. Here, saffron is priced at around Rs 300 per gram, while it can sell for Rs 700 per gram outside Kashmir. Saffron is well-known for its medicinal properties, particularly its benefits for treating coughs and promoting overall health," Gull said. With respect to occupation, only one per cent of saffron growers are dependent on any other agriculture. The fight to preserve this precious crop symbolises a broader struggle against climate change, urging collective action to safeguard not just their livelihood, but the very essence of their culture. With inputs from ANI. 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Kashmir's saffron comes under threat due to rising global warming

The <keyword id="19966789" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ministry-of-electronics" source="keywords">Ministry of Electronics</keyword> and Information Technology's tableau participating in this year's <keyword id="74926" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="republic-day-parade" source="Orion">Republic Day Parade</keyword> will showcase the involvement and use of artificial intelligence (<keyword id="6355999" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AI" source="Orion">AI</keyword>) in various sectors and industries. Ministry of Electronics and IT Director, JL Gupta, while speaking to ANI, said, "This time the tableau showcased by the Ministry of Electronics and IT mainly covers AI-based technology and how AI can be helpful to the public." "You can see a teacher wearing a VR headset teaching the children. AI's use in logistics has also been showcased, and its involvement in cattle management has also been highlighted," he said. "Apart from this, how AI can be helpful in the health sector has also been showcased in the tableau. As per the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding electronic manufacturing, we have tried to include semiconductor chips as well," he added. Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir tableau participating in the <keyword id="6416557" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="republic-day" source="Orion">Republic Day</keyword> Parade will feature the Jambu Zoo as its primary highlight. The Jammu and Kashmir government Principal Secretary, Suresh Kumar Gupta, while speaking to ANI, said that the J-K tableau is highlighting the developments in the state. "The tableau is showing what is developing in Jammu and Kashmir and what new opportunities and new dimensions are happening. In the beginning, we are showing the Jambu Zoo, which is the first full-fledged zoo in Jammu and Kashmir, and it is named after Raja Jambu Lochan, who established the city of Jammu," said Suresh Kumar Gupta. "If you look at the back of the tableau, women are shown doing our Papier Machie work. Our art of Papier Machie is very famous all over the world. If you go further behind it, you will also see that we are showing all the processing of saffron, its cultivation, its harvesting, and its export. We call Jammu and Kashmir the saffron bowl of India," he said. "There is also the Ghanta Ghar, which is at the famous Lal Chowk in J-K. We have shown how that place is completely renovated now, where people were scared to go earlier, but today it has become a tourist spot and people are going there to take selfies and photographs, and it is a very attractive place; everyone likes to go there," he added. The J-K Principal Secretary further mentioned that in the last 75 years, the maximum number of tourists have come to J-K in the previous year, so the attempt is to showcase the new image and progress of the state. Meanwhile, Ladakh Deputy Secretary Nazir Ladakhi, speaking to about Ladakh's tableau for the parade, said that the focus has been on showcasing women empowerment and developments in Ladakh. "We have tried to showcase women empowerment and junior women empowerment," said Nazir. He further spoke about the ice hockey team, which has also been showcased in the tableau, and said, "All 11 players in the Indian ice hockey team come from Ladakh only, and they have won a lot of competitions and earned a name not just for themselves and Ladakh but for the nation as well, so we have depicted that as well. Along with that, we have also shown the enterpreneurship in the pashmina shawl manufacturing sector. The tableau also features Umling La, the highest road in the world, which has been inaugurated this year only." A total of 25 tableaux, including 16 from various States and Union territories and 9 from central government departments, will be on display at the Republic Day parade. France's President Emmanuel Macron is the chief guest at the event. (ANI)

Republic Day parade tableaux to highlight AI Integration, cultural heritage, and national progress

New Delhi [India] September 12 (ANI): Visiting <keyword id="18750100" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="g20-heads-of-state" source="Orion">G20 Heads of State</keyword>, leaders and their spouses were presented with <keyword id="18750101" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="handcrafted-artefacts" source="Orion">handcrafted artefacts</keyword> signifying India's rich culture by Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="narendra-modi" source="Orion">Narendra Modi</keyword>. It is comprised of a curated compilation of handcrafted artefacts and products, which speak volumes about India's rich cultural traditions. Some of the products are the product of centuries of tradition and are cherished across the world for their unparalleled workmanship and quality. These were meticulously created by the hands of master craftsmen. However, some products are the result of the unique bio-diversity of the country. The Government of India presented a Kashmiri Pashmina Stole in a Papier Mache box to the spouse of Brazil President Lula da Silva, Rosangela da Silva. This Kashmiri Pashmina stole has many enchanting stories woven into its fabric. The wool is obtained by combing (and not shearing) the undercoat of specific Himalayan goats. Skilled artisans hand-spin, weave, and embroider their delicate fibres using age-old processes. The result is a light, warm and intricate stole that embodies timeless elegance and craftsmanship. For centuries, Pashmina has been a symbol of royalty. From being the favourite of empresses to adorning the modern fashionista. The exquisite elegance and feel of these stoles have been adored by women across generations. Moreover, the stole was presented in a papier mache box which is among the most delicate, decorative and renowned crafts of Jammu and Kashmir. A masterpiece of craftsmanship, it is made from a mixture of paper pulp, rice straw and copper sulphate. Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted an Assam stole in a Kadam Wood Box to Iriana Joko Widodo, the spouse of Indonesian President Joko Widodo. Assam stoles are traditional pieces of clothing woven in the northeastern state of Assam. This stole has been crafted by skilled artisans using Muga silk. These stoles are known for their intricate designs and motifs that often draw inspiration from the region's natural surroundings, often showcasing elements like flora and fauna. Assam stoles are not just garments; they embody the rich cultural heritage of the Assamese people and their weaving traditions. Draping an Assam stole isn't just donning clothing - it's embracing a glorious cultural heritage and artistic legacy. The Assam stole was presented in a Kadam wood box. Kadam (Burflower tree) wood is considered auspicious in <keyword id="38247" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="indian-culture" source="Orion">Indian culture</keyword> and features in Indian religions and mythologies. This box has been handcrafted by the artisans of Karnataka. PM Modi further presented Kanjivaram Stole to Yuko Kishida, the spouse of his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida. Kanjivaram silk creations are a true masterpiece of Indian weaving, renowned for their rich and vibrant colours, intricate designs, and unparalleled craftsmanship. 'Kanjivaram' derives its name from a small south Indian village - Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu, from where the craft originated. The stole is handcrafted from pure mulberry silk threads, by skilled weavers who have inherited the tradition and techniques from their ancestors. It is a very durable and strong fabric. At the same time, it exudes a queenly elegance, sophistication and grace. This stole was presented in a Kadam wood Jali box. Kadam (Burflower tree) wood is considered auspicious in Indian culture and features in Indian religions and mythologies. This box has been handcrafted with 'Jali' or latticework by the artisans of Kerala. Furthermore, PM Modi presented an elegant Banarasi stole to the spouse of the UK's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Akshata Murty in Kadam Wood Box. Banarasi silk stoles are India's elegant treasures. Handcrafted in Varanasi, they're soft like dreams. Luxurious silk threads create intricate patterns, reflecting the city's cultural richness and its weaving heritage. Banarasi silk stoles are adored for weddings and special occasions. They add a regal grace to the wearer. Their shimmering texture and vibrant hues make them coveted fashion accessories. Whether draped over shoulders or worn as headscarves, these stoles exude timeless charm. 'Banarsi' is one of the most prized possessions in the wardrobe of every well-dressed woman in the sub-continent. This stole was presented in a Kadam wood box. Kadam (Burflower tree) wood is considered auspicious in Indian culture and features in Indian religions and mythologies. This box has been handcrafted by the artisans of Karnataka. Moreover, PM Modi further extended the gift to the spouse of Mauritius PM Pravind Jugnauth, Kobita Ramdanee. He presented the Iakkat Stole packed in the Teak Wood Box. Ikkat Stole is a timeless masterpiece created by the artisans of Odisha - this is a traditional mulberry silk stole adorned with the exquisite Ikat technique. 'Ikat' is a meticulous dyeing process on silk or cotton. It involves tying and dying specific sections of threads to produce a symphony of shades while keeping the tied portions untouched. As these threads intertwine, they create a resplendent fabric, graced with pale motifs against a dark backdrop. Precision is the heart of this art. Originating in the 12th century when artisans migrated from Gujarat, the legacy of Odisha Ikat endures and thrives. Presented in a Teak wood box, the stole has been handcrafted by artisans of Gujarat using the hardy and durable teak wood. PM Modi presented a Banarasi Silk Stole in an Ebony Jali Box to the spouse of Argentina's President Alberto Fernandez, Marcela Luchetti. Banarasi silk stoles are India's elegant treasures. Handcrafted in Varanasi, they're soft like dreams. Luxurious silk threads create intricate patterns, reflecting the city's cultural richness and its weaving heritage. The other handcrafted artefacts included a Khadi scarf, Sheeshamwood Sandook with Brass Patti, Araku Coffee, Kashmir Saffron and many more. Khadi Scarf originated from India and Khadi is an eco-friendly clothing material most beloved for its beautiful texture and versatility throughout the seasons. It can be spun into life from cotton, silk, jute or wool. It is also one of the most important symbols of India's freedom struggle. In fact, its name was coined by Mahatma Gandhi himself. The rural artisans of India, comprising 70 per cent women, hand spin and hand-weave these intricate threads into the ultimate fashion statements adorned across the globe. From its beginnings on the spinning wheel during India's independence movement to today being a marker of high quality and luxury, khadi has been epitomizing sustainable fashion for decades. Another gift was Sheeshamwood Sandook with Brass Patti. 'Sandook' is the hindi word for a treasure chest. Traditionally, it is a strong box made of solid old wood or metal, with a lid on top and embellishments all over. It holds a special place in Indian cultural and folk legends, besides being the epitome of exquisite workmanship. This Sandook has been hand-crafted using Sheesham (Indian Rosewood), which is valued for its strength, durability, distinctive grain patterns and rich colour. The brass patti (strip) is delicately etched and embedded into the wood, transforming the piece into a masterpiece of visual delight and tactile splendour. It is worthy of being treasure on its own, besides storing other treasures within. The present also included the most exotic spice in the world, Saffron from Kashmir. Saffron ('Zafran' in Persian, 'Kesar' in Hindi) is the most expensive spice in the world. Across cultures and civilizations, saffron has been valued for its unparalleled culinary and medicinal value. It is a treasure of nature, both rare and enticing. Each strand of it comprises the stigma of 'Saffron Crocus'. The stigma's crimson hue holds the concentrated essence of sun-soaked days and cool nights. Cultivating saffron is a very labour-intensive process. It requires the delicate hand-harvesting of thousands of flowers (each flower contains three crimson stigmas) to yield a mere ounce of the spice. Kashmiri Saffron stands as a true embodiment of exclusivity and exceptional quality. Its intense aromatic profile, vibrant colour and unmatched potency set it apart. This is due to the crisp air, abundant sunlight and well-drained soil of Kashmir, which yields saffron with a higher concentration of essential oils. Apart from being a luxurious and sought-after culinary spice, saffron is abundantly rich in antioxidants and provides many health benefits. Another present was the Pekoe Darjeeling and Nilgiri Tea. Pekoe Darjeeling and Nilgiri Tea are two illustrious gems from Bharat's tea tapestry, epitomizing the delicate art of tea cultivation and infusion. Darjeeling tea is the most valued tea in the world. Only tender shoots are handpicked from shrubs, located on the misty hills of West Bengal at altitudes of 3000-5000 ft. These nuances, along with the soil's unique character get reflected in the highly aromatic and invigorating cup that comes to your table. Nilgiri Tea comes from the most spectacular mountain range in South Bharat. Cultivated amidst the mountains' lush terrain at an elevation of 1000-3000 feet. The tea is relatively mild. At the same time, it is renowned for its bright and brisk liquor and clean flavour. It is a preferred choice for lemon or iced tea. The government of India also has the world's first terroir-mapped coffee, Araku coffee. It is grown on organic plantations in the Araku Valley of Andhra Pradesh. These coffee beans bear the essence of the valley's rich soil and temperate climate. The coffee plants are cultivated by the valley's farmers who farm the land in complete harmony with nature. They work by hand in small farms and grow the coffee naturally, without the use of machines or chemicals. This ensures that the coffee is organic and the cultivation is sustainable. What the end user gets is traditional coffee powder/beans directly from a farmer's house. Pure Arabica with a rare aromatic profile, Araku Coffee is known for its unique texture and a symphony of flavours that makes for a smooth, well-balanced cup. One of the gifts was from the largest mangrove forest in the world, Sundarbans. Sundarbans Multiflora Mangrove Honey mirrors the bio-diversity of the area and has a distinct and rich flavour profile. Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world, located on the delta formed by the confluence of the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers in the Bay of Bengal. It is home to wild colonies of honeybees. Before the culture of beehive farming, people used to hunt honeycombs from the wilderness. This tradition of beehive hunting is still practised among the people of Sundarbans. Sundarbans Multiflora Mangrove Honey blends the nectar of various mangrove flowers like Khalisha, Band Garan...to create a harmony of sweet and earthy notes. It is less viscous than other types of honey. Besides being 100 per cent natural and pure, Sundarban honey is also high in flavonoids and provides valuable health benefits. PM Modi also presented the texture of a rare luxury, Kashmiri Pashmina. The Kashmiri Pashmina shawl has many enchanting stories woven into its fabric.'Pashm' means wool in Persian. But in Kashmiri, it refers to the raw unspun wool of the Changthangi goat (the world's most unique Cashmere goat) found only at a height of 14,000 feet above sea level. The wool is collected by combing (and not shearing) the undercoat of this goat. Skilled artisans hand-spin, weave, and embroider their delicate fibres using age-old processes. The result is a light, warm and intricate shawl that embodies timeless elegance and craftsmanship. In ancient courts, Pashmina was used as an indicator of rank and nobility. The fabric was an integral part of the rituals of bestowing honour upon anyone. Every piece of clothing made using Pashmina is a rare amalgamation - of craftsmanship, of exclusivity, of legend and of style. Adding to the list of gifts, the government of India also presented Zighrana Ittar to the global leaders. Zighrana Ittar is a masterpiece of fragrance hailing from Kannauj, a city in Uttar Pradesh. 'Ittar' (meaning 'perfume') is an essential oil derived from botanical sources. It showcases a centuries-old tradition of exquisite perfume crafting. Skillfully distilled using a method passed down through generations, Ittar is an ode to precision and patience. Master artisans delicately gather rare blossoms like jasmine and roses at dawn, when their fragrance is most potent. Through the meticulous process of hydro-distillation, the essential oils are extracted and then matured over time, allowing the notes to harmonize and deepen. This alchemical journey culminates in Zighrana Ittar - a fragrant symphony that resonates with the rich heritage of Kannauj. Some niche and artisanal perfumes also incorporate Ittar into their creations, for its unique and natural scent profile. Zighrana Ittar transcends time, conjuring up images of ancient bazaars and royal courts, where once its scent graced the air. Moreover, to commemorate India's G20 Presidency, PM Modi released special G20 postage stamps and coins on July 26, 2023. The G20 India Stamps and Coins were released during the inauguration of Bharat Mandapam at Pragati Maidan. The designs of both the coins and stamps draw inspiration from India's G20 Logo and theme of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' or 'One Earth. One Family. One Future'. The two Postage Stamps of denomination 20 each, celebrate India's G20 Presidency period from December 1 2022-November 30, 2023. The first G20 Commemorative Postage Stamp demonstrates togetherness and the collective will of G20 members to achieve inclusive, decisive and action-oriented outcomes under India's Presidency. (ANI)

What's inside G20 gift bags? Kashmiri Pashminas, Zighrana Ittar and more

<ul class="summary-list"><li>We compiled a list of the rarest foods around the world that you should try in your lifetime.</li><li>Try a spoonful of New Zealand's Mānuka honey, made from a flower which blooms for only 12 days.</li><li>Feast upon golden Almas caviar, sourced only from the Caspian Sea.</li></ul>From the hard to make to the hard to find to the potentially deadly to consume, we're taking a look at 18 of some of the most <keyword id="137136" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Rare">rare</keyword> foods around the world.Đông Tảo chicken Đông Tảo chicken, or dragon chickens, look like a bird wearing a pair of Uggs. But their oversized feet are the telltale feature of this rare bird. Đông Tảo chickens have a dark meat, with a color closer to red meat. In Vietnam, where these birds are bred, the birds are often eaten during the Vietnamese New Year, but need to pass high standards to be deemed worthy. Buyers look for a tall chicken that weighs around 5 kilograms with thick, red feet and shiny black feathers.Donkey cheese "A typical American cow produces about 28 liters of milk per day, compare that to the sole liter a single donkey generates in 24 hours, and donkey cheese already feels pretty exclusive. The milk is closer in nutritional properties to breast milk than other common varieties, and lacks enough of a key protein in cows milk to easily cultivate cheese, meaning the process to turn Donkeys milk into cheese is kept under lock and key. Super filling with a nutty, earthy flavor the cheese can sell for $500 for a single pound"Sea cucumber This giant ocean slug is a sea cucumber - a bottom feeder with a tubular shape that has no limbs and no eyes but a ton of monetary value. It can be found all over the world but is most prevalent in the Pacific Ocean. Mostly eaten in Asian cuisines, sea cucumbers are beloved for their thick, chewy bite that's full of protein and antioxidants but low in fat. The Japanese sea cucumber, full of red and orange spikes, can set you back $3,500 for a single kilo, a little more than 2 pounds.Ayam Cemani If you've never visited Indonesia, it's unlikely you've encountered this chicken: charcoal black from gizzard to feathers to feet. The Ayam Cemani, bred on the islands of Indonesia, has a dominant gene that makes the chicken appear black all the way down to its organs. Just one of these chickens could cost around $200, though due to fears of the spread of bird flu, the chicken isn't often cleared for export, which means outside the country, a bird could set you back thousands of dollars.Almas caviar While it's common knowledge that caviar is pretty rare, your bougiest caviar ain't got nothin' on this. Almas means diamond in Persian, and while all caviar comes from wild sturgeon, Almas caviar stands out from other fish eggs with a golden color derived from an extremely rare albino sturgeon that lives in the Caspian Sea. It's said to have a spongier texture, with a less salty but nuttier flavor than your average caviar.Saffron Saffron is the world's most <keyword id="6359333" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="expensive">expensive</keyword> spice, with a single pound setting you back $1,500 or more. Bringing it back to high school earth science, the spice comes from the stigma of a saffron crocus flower, or the part of a flower where pollen germinates. Since each flower grows only three stigmas, it takes 17,000 flowers grown on a quarter acre of land to make a single pound, probably making the price seem a little more reasonable.Matsutake mushroom Matsutake mushrooms are known as the king of mushrooms in Japan. In wild forests, these mushrooms are rare because they need really specific conditions to grow, and even then, the blossoming mushrooms are susceptible to becoming snacks for wildlife. Many say they're worth the hunt for their spicy, pungent aroma and woodsy, earthy flavor.Swallow's nest soup When you think of a bird's nest, you likely picture a mound of twigs and leaves. But swiftlets make their nests entirely of their own sticky saliva, crafting a hard, transparent mass to hatch their chicks. In the wild, the birds build their nests on dangerously high cave ledges, making harvesting nearly, but not quite, impossible. The nest is cooked into a gelatinous soup full of protein.Fugu Fugu, a type of puffer fish, have poisonous livers, eyes, and ovaries that, when not properly removed, are more lethal than cyanide if consumed, giving the fish a reputation as the most dangerous <keyword id="6181" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Food">food</keyword> on Earth. It's because of this toxicity that preparation of the fish is highly regulated by the government in Japan, where fugu is a considered a delicacy. Chefs train for years before taking an extensive exam just to earn a certification to serve fugu. When sliced into sashimi, fugu has a mild, fresh taste with a chewy texture.Yubari King melon This melon might look like your average cantaloupe, but it is so much more. In fact, one Yubari King melon sold for $14,500 in 2018. And although the melons are grown in temperature- controlled greenhouses for cultivation all year round, they're still pretty rare. That's thanks to the meticulous TLC farmers pay their crop through the entire growing process, where each melon tree is pruned of its crop down to a single fruit, which they even massage by hand to ensure perfection. If you're looking to taste one yourself, make some friends in high places, since Yubari King melons are typically purchased as gifts.Iberian ham Bred exclusively in the Iberian Peninsula of Spain and Portugal, roaming freely in cold, rocky oak forests, feeding off grains and acorns, lives the black Iberian pig. The most coveted part of the animal is the legs, which are buried in salt for 15 to 20 days and cured in stages over years before they're finally ready for sale. The finished legs are sliced wafer thin, making for a uniquely fatty, succulent bite of sweet, salty ham with a bit of a nutty flavor.White truffles Truffles in general are pretty rare, but white truffles take it to the next level. Prone to growing near the roots of hazelnut and oak tree trees in Italian mountains, truffles are wild fungus that require specially trained dogs or hogs to sniff out. A white Alba truffle lacks an outer shell, giving it a golden color with a knobby shape and a slightly garlicky, rich, woody and earthy flavor.Maple syrup We all know the excitement of thick, sugary syrup blanketing a stack of pancakes on a Sunday morning. So it may be a shock to hear that sugary goodness is often more than likely a blend of high-fructose corn syrup and extracts. 40% of the US's real, pure maple syrup is tapped from the trees of Vermont. And while you may be thinking, "A forest of trees, all this syrup, there's no way its so rare!" it takes 44 gallons of sap to make a single gallon of real maple syrup. Grade A syrup is the most delicious and expensive to produce, with its lighter golden color and accompanying delicate taste.Mānuka honey Mānuka is a flower native to New Zealand that blooms for only 12 days. After the bees do what bees do, Mānuka honey is available for harvest for a super short two to six week period, which is why honey from this particular flower represents about 1% of the honey in the world. It has a rich, earthy flavor and is thinner than honey you're likely used to.Icelandic salt Icelandic Salt From kosher to sea to table, salt is one of the most prevalent seasonings around the world, but not all salt is created equal. Pure Icelandic salt can set you back about $30 per pound, which is 30 times the price of common table salt. That's because this salt comes from one of the coldest, most remote regions of Iceland where its meticulously harvested and processed by hand, making it a favorite among some of the world's best restaurants.Parmesan cheese Like Champagne or Camembert, Parmesan cheese is a regulated food that can only be made in the small region for which the food is named. Parmesan hails from a part of northern Italy called Emilia-Romagna including a town called, you guessed it, Parma. With only 329 dairies certified to make this cheese in the region - and due to the strict regulations, that means the whole world - Parmesan can cost more than double the price of more common cheeses, like cheddar.Madagascar vanilla With rows of vanilla extract and flavoring in the grocery store spice isle, vanilla might not seem like a rarity, but you're less likely to come across real whole-bean Madagascar vanilla than you might think. In fact, this long pod is one of the most difficult plants to harvest in the world, with flowers that bloom for only one single day a year and need to be hand pollinated that same day before pods are harvested and cured for months. And if you're totally fine with vanilla extract, keep in mind a lot of the products on those shelves aren't real vanilla, because even that process is time intensive, needing pods to be soaked in clear alcohol for up to two years.Wasabi Wasabi might seem like a common enough item, but in reality, the side of green paste you get with your sushi likely isn't the real thing, but rather a blend of root vegetables from the same family, like horseradish and mustard. Real wasabi is one of the hardest plants to cultivate and maintain in the world, needing ultra specific water flow, sunlight, soil, and consistent temperatures to thrive. Even then, it takes about a year and a half to grow before it's harvested by hand and ground into a paste for an earthy, rich, and more floral flavor than the grocery store fare.So which rare foods do you want to try? Are there any we missed? Let us know in the comments below.

18 of the rarest foods to eat in your lifetime

<ul><li>Out of the 11 measures announced on May 15, 8 related to strengthening infrastructure, logistics, storage capacity.</li><li>Three of them were related to governance and administrative reforms, the Minister said speaking in New Delhi. </li><li>Sitharaman promised that government will allocate money and to quickly ramp up existing policies in these spaces.</li></ul><keyword id="6355261" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="finance-minister">Finance Minister</keyword> Nirmala Sitharaman's third tranche of the ₹20 lakh crore ($270 billion) economic stimulus promised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the government in New Delhi was dedicated to farming and allied activities including fisheries and animal husbandry etc. The first tranche was a clearly quantifiable ₹5.9 lakh crore ($78 billion) push for micro, small and medium (MSME) businesses, non-banking financial companies, among others. The second one was dedicated largely to providing relief to migrant workers and small farmers. One nation, one ration card was one of the highlights of the announcement. ALSO READ: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/for-one-nation-one-ration-card-scheme-narendra-modi-and-nirmala-sitharaman-face-many-risks/slidelist/75752500.cms">For ‘One nation, one ration card’ to work, India has to fix a bunch of issues on war footing</a> Out of the 11 measures announced on May 15, 8 related to strengthening infrastructure, logistics, storage capacity and 3 were related to governance and administrative reforms. Sitharaman promised that government will allocate money and to quickly ramp up existing policies in these spaces. These are the top highlights of the Finance Minister's speech on May 15: 1. ₹1 lakh crore ($13 billion) allocated to strengthen <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/india-sets-up-fund-for-cold-storage-for-farm-products-startups-are-eligible/articleshow/75758088.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">farm-gate infrastructure like cold chains, storage centres</a>etc. The fund created for cooperatives,farmers producer organisations, private entrepreneurs, startups etc. looking to enter this space. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="75758676" title="India proposes to deregulate prices of onions, potatoes, pulses and other essential food — prices won’t be capped and one can store as much as needed" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> 2. For micro food enterprises, the government will provide a fund of ₹10,000 crore. The intention is to help local manufacturers and brands, in the health and wellness space, organic products, nutrition products etc. to go global. The fun will go into modernising, formalising, and bringing these firms up to global standards. This will be cluster-based approach. For instance, makhana makers in Bihar, saffron products makers in Kashmir, tapioca makers in Tamil Nadu, ragi makers in Karnataka etc. can benefit from this. 3. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (a scheme dedicated to marine fisheries and aquaculture):₹20,000 crore to boost fish production by 7 million tonnes in the next five years. 4. [An existing programme] ₹13,343 crore had been allocated for National Animal Disease Control Programme in January 2020 to ensure 100% vaccination of cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat and pig population (over 53 crore animals). 1.5 crore cows and buffaloes tagged and vaccinated till date. This will continue in green zones. 5. A new fund of ₹15,000 crore is being established to boost animal husbandry infrastructure development. Dairy producers and processors will be eligible for incentives being provided from this fund. Those who want to set up plants for export of niche dairy products will also be supported. 6. ₹4,000 crore for promotion of cultivation of medicinal plants. 1 million hectares to be covered under herbal cultivation in the next two years. This will lead to income generation of ₹5,000 crore for farmers. Development of a corridor of 800 hectare area along the banks of river Ganga. A network of regional markets (mandis) will be created for medicinal plants. 7. ₹500 crore for beekeeping initiatives. Government will implement a scheme for infrastructure development related to Integrated Beekeeping Development Centres, Collection, Marketing and Storage Centres. This will lead to an increase in yield and crop quality, resulting in increase in income for 2 lakh beekeepers. 8. ₹500 crore for subsidy to farmers of green produce (fruits and vegetables). 50% subsidy for transportation of green produce from surplus to deficient markets. 50% subsidy for storage of green produce. This pilot project will initially be for a period of 6 months - the government says it will be expanded and extended in the future. 9. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/policy/news/what-is-essential-commodities-act-that-nirmala-sitharaman-wants-to-amend/articleshow/75759156.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Essential Commodities Act</a>will be amended to deregulate prices of cereals, edible oils, oilseeds, pulses, onions and potato etc. Stock limits to be imposed only under exceptional circumstances like national calamities, famine with a surge in prices. No such stock limit shall apply to processors or value chain participants, or to any exporter subject to export demand. 10. Farmers will be given the choice to sell their produce at attractive prices, instead of selling it to just <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/news/bjp-narendra-modi-nirmala-sitharaman-push-agriculture-apmc-reform/articleshow/75760189.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">APMCs (Agricultural Produce Market Committee)</a>. Framework for e-trading of agricultural produce to be included in the central law proposed to be formulated. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="75760364" title="I have been asking for this for 20 years, says Ashok Gulati, agriculture scientist ⁠— cheering the changes to Essential Commodities Act and APMC" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> 11. Agricultural Produce Price and Quality Assurance. Facilitative legal framework to be created to enable farmers for engaging with food processors, aggregators, large retailers, exporters etc. Risk mitigation for farmers, assured returns and quality standardisation shall form an integral part of the framework Taking stock of the measures taken during the lockdown. ₹74,300 crore worth agricultural produce was purchased at minimum support prices since the lockdown began on March 25. ₹18,700 crore cash has transferred from the Prime Minister's Kisan (farmer) Fund. ₹6,400 crore worth claims under PM Fasal Bimal Yojana (crop protection scheme). Milk cooperatives bought 560 litres of every day against the daily demand of 360 litres. Additional 111 crore litres of milk was purchased and dairy farmers were paid ₹4,100 crore. The excess milk will be converted to milk powder, a Finance Ministry official said. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/zomato-lays-off-13-of-its-workforce-announces-pay-cuts-for-all/articleshow/75756087.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Zomato lays off 13% of its workforce, announces pay cuts for all – CEO Deepinder Goyal says 40% of their restaurants could shut down in 12 months</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/hyderabad-startup-vera-healthcare-has-built-a-testing-bus-for-covid-19-with-an-inhouse-quarantine-berth-and-will-cover-upto-10000-houses-in-a-day/articleshow/75755521.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">This Hyderabad-based startup has built a testing bus for Covid-19 – with an inhouse quarantine berth and will cover upto 10,000 houses in a day</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/biocon-share-price-falls-after-earnings-and-mutual-funds-stake-in-the-stock/articleshow/75754048.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Biocon was a hot stock before the latest earnings— from Tata Asset Management to Baroda AMC, at least five mutual fund houses added it to their portfolio</a>

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18 of the rarest foods to eat in your lifetime

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