Bagh, a picturesque district in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K), is a land of breathtaking beauty, blessed with lush green mountains, the highest peak Ghanga Choti, the serene Mahal Stream, and a vibrant culture. However, beyond its natural splendor, Bagh is also home to a flourishing bakery and confectionery industry, a tradition deeply embedded in its rich heritage.
The Heart of Bagh’s Bakery Industry
With a population of 371,719, Bagh boasts 115 small and large bakeries, all of which play a crucial role in fulfilling the daily needs of locals and visitors. These bakeries are not just places where bread and sweets are made; they are an integral part of life in Bagh, providing employment to 2000 individuals and serving as economic hubs in the region.
A particularly famous village in this industry is Jaglari, known for producing generations of skilled bakers and small entrepreneurs. For over seven decades, 95% of Jaglari’s population has been associated with the bakery business, making it an economic powerhouse within the district.
Daily Production and Consumption Trends
The bakery culture in Bagh is unique and deeply rooted in tradition. The average production of Double Roti (bread) is 11,00 loaves per day, with demand ensuring that all are sold before the day ends. Bread remains a breakfast essential, enjoyed with tea or butter.
The love for bakery products in Bagh is evident in the way people rush to bakeries after work, eager to grab their favorite freshly baked items. Shelves in these bakeries remain stocked with a delightful array of sweets, biscuits, cakes, and traditional delicacies.
Exquisite and Popular Bakery Items of Bagh
- Tikey – A Timeless Favorite
Among the most cherished bakery delights is Tikey, a delicacy that holds a special place in the hearts of Bagh’s residents. Its demand peaks during Ramzan, with 20,000 Tikey baked and sold daily. Made from refined flour, butter, sugar, and dry fruits, this half-inch thick, round bread is renowned for its unique blend of crunchiness and softness. Embedded with raisins and nuts, Tikey is best enjoyed dipped in hot tea, making it a perfect treat for both young and old alike.
- Baqerkhani – The Wedding Delight
A small, round, sweet, and slightly salty confectionery item, Baqerkhani is a must-have at weddings and festive occasions. Often exchanged as a symbolic gift, this delicacy is a mark of hospitality in Bagh. People enjoy it with tea, using a spoon to scoop its soft and flaky layers.
- Coconut Treat – A Taste of Heaven
One of the most demanded bakery items in Bagh is the Coconut confectionery. With a layered, round shape and a coconut-infused filling, its sweet, rich, and velvety texture makes it a universal favorite. This treat is loved across all age groups, making it an everyday delight.
- Double Roti – The Breakfast Essential
Bread, or Double Roti, is the most consumed bakery item in Bagh. A daily staple, it is enjoyed at breakfast with butter, jam, or eggs. The demand for fresh bread remains high, and bakeries ensure its steady supply every morning.
- Rusk – The Crispy Companion
A golden, crunchy delight, Rusk is an essential part of morning and evening tea. The perfect balance of crispiness and subtle sweetness makes it one of the most beloved bakery items in Bagh.
The Economic Impact of Bakeries in Bagh
The bakery industry in Bagh exemplifies entrepreneurship and economic resilience. These businesses provide job opportunitiesand contribute significantly to Bagh’s economy. Many young entrepreneurs have ventured into bakery businesses, ensuring the steady availability of fresh, high-quality products.
Seasonal and Festive Peaks
During festive occasions, especially Eid, weddings, and family gatherings, bakery sales skyrocket. People buy confectioneries in large quantities to serve guests, reinforcing the cultural significance of bakery products in hospitality. The sight of people generously purchasing sweets and baked goods during Eid is a testament to the region’s love for confectioneries.
Challenges and Future Opportunities
While the bakery business in Bagh flourishes, it also faces challenges, including:
- Rising ingredient costs, impacting affordability.
- Limited access to advanced baking equipment, which could enhance productivity.
- Seasonal fluctuations in sales, making revenue generation inconsistent.
However, with investment in modern baking technology, enhanced quality control, and better supply chains, Bagh’s bakery industry has tremendous potential for expansion.
The bakery and confectionery industry in Bagh AJ&K isa testament to tradition, entrepreneurship, and culinary excellence. With an ever-growing demand for quality bakery products, the industry continues to thrive, contributing significantly to the cultural and economic vibrancy of Bagh.
As these bakeries continue to evolve while preserving their authentic flavors, the people of Bagh remain proud of their heritage, ensuring that their love for bakery products remains as rich and enduring as their mountainous homeland.
The writer is an experienced development practitioner with over 20 years of expertise in the development sector. He is a resident of Bagh, Azad Jammu & Kashmir.He can be reached at: i.gardazi@gmail.com
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