RAWALAKOT (Kashmir English): Sana Hayyat, a PhD scholar at the Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Poonch (UoP) Rawalakot, has successfully defended her doctoral thesis titled “Adaptation of Wild Black Raspberry (Rubus sp.) in Rawalakot to Explore its Nutritional Potential and Extend Storage Life.”
Supervised by Dr. Mehdi Maqbool, Associate Professor, the research was completed over three years (six semesters). The project received financial support from the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad under the USDA-Endowment Fund, and Ms. Hayyat also contributed as a Research Assistant.
Natural fruit in the hills of Rawalakot
The study focused on wild black raspberry (locally known as Paghnar) — a naturally occurring fruit in the hills of Rawalakot.
Through her research, Sana Hayyat analyzed the nutritional composition, storage potential, and adaptability of this underutilized fruit, providing baseline data for local farmers to cultivate and market the crop, thereby generating additional income and supporting the rural economy.
The findings suggest that Paghnar, rich in antioxidants and essential nutrients, holds significant promise for commercial production if proper cultivation and post-harvest management techniques are adopted.
The study further highlights the potential for developing value-added products, such as jams, juices, and natural food supplements, from this native resource.
The Dean Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Dr. Imtiaz Hussain, Director QEC, and the Deputy Controller of Examinations attended the defence session and congratulated Sana Hayyat and her supervisory committee on the successful completion of the study.
They praised her work as a valuable contribution to sustainable horticulture and an important step toward promoting indigenous fruit crops in the region.
Speaking on the occasion, Dean Faculty of Agriculture said, “This research opens new avenues for farmers and entrepreneurs in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. By exploring the nutritional value and storage potential of Paghnar, Ms. Sana has laid the groundwork for turning a wild fruit into an economic asset.”
