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HomePosts Tagged "Kashmir"
AgroPolicy, Floriculture, Sustainability

Kishtwar saffron comes from the scenic Kishtwar region, nestled in the mountainous landscapes of Jammu, and is referred to locally as ‘Kung’ and nationally as ‘Kesar.’

Kashmir’s Kishtwar saffron has recently been awarded a GI tag for its exceptional quality. Saffron is considered one of the most expensive spices in the world, with hand-collected strands from crocus flowers costing lakhs per kilogram. Kashmir produces some of the most expensive and highest-quality saffron, and Kishtwar Saffron, from the Kishtwar Region of Jammu and Kashmir, has recently been awarded the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Geographical Indications Registry according to the local news.

A GI tag is an indication of quality that acts as a mark of intellectual property and confirms that the product originates from a specific geographical region and has unique and valuable characteristics due to its place of origin. Kishtwar saffron comes from the scenic Kishtwar region, nestled in the mountainous landscapes of Jammu, and is referred to locally as ‘Kung’ and nationally as ‘Kesar.’ This spice holds pivotal economic importance in this secluded district, with Mandal, the saffron production area, encompassing around 120 hectares of cultivable land, establishing Kishtwar as a significant hub for saffron cultivation.

Kishtwar saffron has not only won the GI tag but also a Grade 1 quality rating. To achieve this rating, 1150 grams of saffron flowers harvested from Berwar underwent a thorough physical and chemical analysis at the India International Kashmir Saffron Trading Centre (IIKSTC) in Dussu Pampore. As a result of this process, 110 grams of fresh saffron filaments and 20 grams of top-tier dry Lacha saffron were extracted and subsequently designated as Grade 1.

Kishtwar saffron comes from the scenic Kishtwar

Agro Universities, India, R&D

The agriculture department will be affiliated with SKUAST Kashmir and established under the University of Ladakh

Lieutenant Governor Brigadier (Retd) B D Mishra has made the decision to establish an agriculture department in the University of Ladakh and transfer several units of SKUAST to it, an official spokesperson announced. This decision was made during a meeting at Raj Niwas to discuss the assets of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST).

The Lt Governor has decided that the agriculture department will be affiliated with SKUAST Kashmir and established under the University of Ladakh. Additionally, various SKUAST units situated in Ladakh will be transferred to the agriculture department of the University of Ladakh. The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ladakh, Prof S K Mehta, has been directed by Mishra to speed up the process of creating the agriculture department.

Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor of SKUAST Kashmir, provided information about the university and its presence in the Union Territory. He mentioned that two research institutes, two Krishi Vigyan Kendras and six SKUAST units were established in Ladakh during the previous state of Jammu and Kashmir. In August 2019, Ladakh was granted Union Territory status after being separated from the former state of Jammu and Kashmir.

The spokesperson also stated that the assets of SKUAST-Kashmir will be taken over by the Agriculture Department of the Ladakh University when it becomes fully operational.

The agriculture department will be affiliated with

India, Supply Chain, Trade, Vegetables

In the current year, approximately 32,000 metric tonnes of garlic have been exported from the Kulgam and Shopian districts located in the southern region of Kashmir.

The Agriculture Department of Kashmir reports an increase in demand for Kashmiri vegetables and an increase in vegetable exports to different markets in India.

In June and July alone, over 80,719 tonnes of vegetables were exported and 2,16,785 tonnes of vegetables were grown in the state. Despite the challenges posed by the Srinagar Jammu highway, which makes exporting perishable goods difficult, the department managed to export 100 metric tonnes in the last week of July.

The agriculture department is expecting to produce 2,42,000 metric tonnes of vegetables in August, which will contribute to the economy of the farmers.

Additionally, in the current year, around 32,000 metric tonnes of garlic have been exported from the Kulgam and Shopian districts in the southern region of Kashmir.

In the current year, approximately 32,000 metric

AgroPolicy, Floriculture, Sustainability

Lavender is a multi-dimensional crop and the agro-climatic conditions of the region are one of the best in the country

Mohammad Iqbal Chowdhary, Director of Agriculture Kashmir inaugurated Lavender Festival at Floriculture Farm Sirhama, Anantnag, according to the local media.

Speaking on the occasion he highlighted the economic importance of the Lavender crop and said that there is a huge potential to grab in this sector.

He also said that the department is introducing new interventions for strengthening the crop. The cultivation of Lavender on commercial lines and the participation of educated youth in this allied wing of agriculture could help achieve the socio-economic transformation of the farming community.

Iqbal reiterated the Department’s commitment to introduce and promote Lavender in newer areas so that more and more people from the farming community could adopt this under-integrated farming concept.

Director said that Lavender is a multi-dimensional crop and the agro-climatic conditions of the region are one of the best in the country, therefore the Department is working on a long-term plan for the cultivation and marketing of this flower.

He said that under HADP special attention has been paid to the promotion of lavender in the region and different projects have been approved for the development of this crop.

He also said that Kashmir being one of the best tourist destinations in the country has immense opportunities for the marketing of ornamental plants like Lavender, therefore, the Department is endeavouring to attract more and more farmers towards the cultivation of ornamental and medicinal plants.

Lavender is a multi-dimensional crop and the