Suhail Bhat
Srinagar, Oct 26: Kashmir is anticipating a bumper saffron crop this year as a result of adequate rains just before the flowering season, which raised production and prevented crop yields from declining.
Last season, the saffron production exceeded 15 metric tonnes after a gap of around 25 years, and officials expect the production to be higher this time. The back-to-back increases in production are expected to revitalize the industry because growers have been forced to switch to other crops or stop growing the pricey crop due to diminishing yields and land under cover.
Since 1996, production has been falling, with the Valley experiencing the lowest yield of 1.5 MTs in 2011-2012. Experts were warning that due to declining production, this valuable crop would become extinct.
Director of Agriculture Department Chaudhary Mohammad Iqbal said that they are expecting a bumper saffron production this year. “The flowering is underway and a few batches of flowers are yet to be picked by the growers, so we cannot predict the exact number, but the harvest has been encouraging so far,” he said.
He added that the Government will soon release the outstanding funds for the National Saffron Mission, which was established in 2011 to enhance output and quality, which will further boost the saffron industry.
“The irrigation system is almost 70% finished, and work will soon start on the final 30%. Our reliance on rainfall will be eliminated once the irrigation system is finished,” he said.
Abdul Majeed Wani, chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Saffron Growers Association, said they anticipate a strong harvest this year because there was enough rain before flowering. “The last two years saw excellent and timely rainfall, which greatly increased the harvest. It has given the saffron sector a new lease of life as farmers who had stopped growing the crop due to declining pricing and yield have started to do so again, which is encouraging,” he said.
He added that the establishment of Spice Park in the area, where consumers can now purchase pure saffron from the farmers at reasonable costs, had benefited the producers. “Online bids are being submitted by clients from numerous states and nations,” he said.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
