Saffron cultivation and marketing has been an ancient industry in Kashmir. We are told that an important commodity that used to be carried to various cities of the world in ancient times from Kashmir was saffron carried along Silk Route by Indian caravans. Though trade and commerce of the State went through many changes with the passage of time, yet cultivation and marketing of saffron never stopped. After independence, various State Governments paid attention to the improvement of saffron trade and some reforms were introduced from time to time. However, the process of raising the marketing of Kashmir saffron to international level has not yet made as much progress as was expected.
In a seminar sponsored by the Union Ministry of Agriculture, National Horticulture Board, Spices Board and J&K Bank, experts focused on production and market promotion of Kashmiri saffron in domestic and international trade. The Spice Board of India has decided to collaborate with the Government of the State in improving and upgrading the saffron production and marketing. One thing which seems to be of great importance is that the production and marketing of fake saffron in the name of Kashmir saffron should come to an end. It has brought us defamation and genuine saffron traders had to pay through their nose although banning production of fake saffron was not so big a problem to be resolved amicably.
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