A huge demand for saffron from all around the world since it gets the geographical indication (GI) tag
Saffron production in Jammu and Kashmir has increased by 30 per cent this year due to adequate rains just before the flowering season, which raised production and prevented crop yields from declining. Kashmir has more than 3700 hectares of land under saffron cultivation and the Pampore in Pulwama is the main hub for growing saffron. However, the spice is now being cultivated across different districts of Kashmir valley as well.
According to the Jammu and Kashmir Saffron Growers Association, this year, the rate of Lacha quality saffron is around Rs 185 per gram while Morga quality saffron is Rs 240 per gram at Kashmir’s Park Pampore. The saffron farmers in the valley earlier were very much disappointed due to low rates in the market. But since the Kashmir Saffron Park came into existence and has decided rates on a high note, the farmers started taking more interest in the cultivation of saffron.
Huge demand for saffron from all over the world since it gets the geographical indication (GI) tag a sign used on products which have a specific geographical origin. Last season, the saffron production exceeded 15 metric tones after a gap of more than 25 years. The year-on-year 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.
