Kalari cheese demand soars after PM Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' mention
Synopsis
A single radio mention by PM Modi turned a centuries-old village staple into a sellout product. Kalari cheese — Udhampur's answer to mozzarella — has gone from low-demand local delicacy to a tourist draw and emerging export story, all within weeks of the 133rd 'Mann Ki Baat' episode.
Key Takeaways
PM Modi praised Kalari cheese in the 133rd edition of 'Mann Ki Baat' , calling it part of India's cultural heritage.
Kalari, also known as the 'Mozzarella of Kashmir' , originates from Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir .
Local makers report every batch now sells out instantly, with demand surging across urban areas and adjoining districts.
New shops have opened in Udhampur city , creating fresh employment opportunities.
Tourists travelling along the highway are now making stopovers to taste the cheese.
Kalari won recognition at an international cheese competition held in Brazil .
Kalari cheese, the traditional delicacy of Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir, has witnessed a dramatic surge in demand after Prime Minister Narendra Modi spotlighted it during the 133rd edition of his radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat'. The mention has transformed the fortunes of local cheese makers, retailers, and eatery owners across Udhampur and adjoining districts.
What PM Modi Said
In the 133rd episode of 'Mann Ki Baat', Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Kalari cheese as part of India's cultural heritage and praised its 'global recognition and triumph' at an international cheese competition held in Brazil. The endorsement from the country's highest office proved to be a turning point for a product that had long remained confined to local kitchens and village markets.
Makers and Sellers Report Record Sales
Povinder Sharma, a local Kalari cheese maker whose family has been in the trade for generations, said demand has skyrocketed since the mention.
Point of View
Or fades once the news cycle moves on. Udhampur's cheese makers have the product and the heritage; what they need now is cold-chain infrastructure and organised marketing to convert a viral moment into a lasting industry. The Brazil competition win, largely unnoticed before the radio mention, also raises a pointed question about how many other traditional Indian foods are winning global awards in obscurity.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kalari cheese and where does it come from?
Kalari is a traditional cheese delicacy originating from Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir, often called the 'Mozzarella of Kashmir'. It is made by hundreds of families in Udhampur and surrounding villages as part of an ancestral trade passed down through generations.
Why has Kalari cheese demand suddenly increased?
Demand surged after Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted Kalari cheese in the 133rd edition of his radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat', praising it as part of India's cultural heritage and noting its win at an international cheese competition in Brazil. Local makers report sales have skyrocketed since the mention.
Did Kalari cheese win an international award?
Yes, Kalari cheese received recognition at an international cheese competition held in Brazil, which PM Modi cited during 'Mann Ki Baat' as an example of the cheese's global triumph.
How has the demand spike affected the local economy in Udhampur?
The surge in demand has led to the opening of new shops in Udhampur city, generating fresh employment opportunities. Highway dhabas are also reporting more tourist footfall as travellers stop to taste the cheese.
What is 'Mann Ki Baat' and how often does PM Modi address the nation through it?
'Mann Ki Baat' is a monthly radio programme hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in which he addresses the nation on various social, cultural, and development topics. The 133rd edition, in which he mentioned Kalari cheese, is the latest instalment of this long-running programme.
