Srinagar, Mar 13: Haji Gulam Qadir Sunoo, a 64-year-old resident of Srinagar, has become popular as the 'pickle man of Jammu and Kashmir', who has prepared more than a hundred varieties of delicious pickles that tickle the taste buds of the people all across the world.

Qadir started took to pickle making in Srinagar after he suffered heavy losses in the transport business. He was inspired to start this lucrative business of pickle making by a pickle maker of Rajasthan.

Qadir's pickles have steadily gained in popularity both among residents in the valley and elsewhere.

His pickles are known for their fabulous quality and taste and have been in huge demand in the United States, the UK and Bangladesh, besides other states in the country.

"The customers come from all over the country and from abroad to buy pickles from here. I have sent some of the varieties of my pickles to Bangladesh also," said Qadir.

Qadir makes vegetable pickles as well as chicken, mutton and fish pickles. The non-vegetarian pickles are hot sellers.

The demand for non-vegetarian pickles goes up in winters when the national highway connecting Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country is blocked and people face a major shortage of vegetables.

According to customers, his outlet is the sole one that sells scrumptious fish pickle.

"This is the only shop where one can find chicken and fish pickle. I haven't seen these kinds of pickles anywhere before. Chicken pickle can be found in Hyderabad, but fish pickle is being made here only. I have seen it here for the very first time," said Akthar Hussein, a customer.

People come from far and wide to savour the delicious pickles.

"I have come here from Alamgiri market to buy chicken pickle, which is my favourite. I really like it a lot. He makes several varieties of pickles, which are not available anywhere else," said Hamid Ali, another customer.

Qadir who earns more than Rs 2500 to Rs. 3000 in a day plans to set up a chain of pickle shops in the state and also intends to add on more varieties to his current record of 100 varieties of pickles. (ANI)