Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Dec 31: The recent snowfall has brought much-needed relief to saffron growers in south Kashmir’s Pampore, who had been worried about the prolonged dry spell’s impact on their crop.
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Both farmers and agricultural experts consider the snowfall crucial for the saffron crop as it provides the necessary moisture and chilling period essential for its growth and reproduction. “The corms remain active during winter, requiring 1,000 to 1,200 hours of chilling to stimulate growth. It has rekindled hopes for a good harvest next year,” Ishtiyaq Ahmad Bhat, Agriculture Extension Officer for Pampore, said.
Bhat explained that the rainfall deficit this year had adversely affected saffron production, and the prolonged drought left growers anxious about next season’s yield. “Snow cover is vital for the growth and multiplication of saffron corms. The more corms that are produced, the more flowers we can expect. This snowfall gives us hope for next year,” he said.
As the snow melts, it will percolate into the soil, providing much-needed moisture to saffron corms and benefiting the crop. Growers expressed optimism that the production will improve in the next season due to the snowfall. “One of the main reasons for low production is the lack of optimum moisture during this time, which is critical for the crop’s reproduction and multiplication. This snowfall will undoubtedly enhance the yield,” said a local farmer.
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