Saffron grown in Kashmir has got GI registration which means that Kashmir Saffron will acquire more prominence in the export market and would help the farmers get the best remunerative price.

This move can be considered as the first major step to put Saffron produced in the Kashmir Valley on the world map with authentication. GI certification establishes specific geographical origin and certifies certain unique qualities of the product.

This certification enables those who have the right to use sign in order to prevent third party using the sign. The GI certification would also stop the prevalent adulteration of Kashmir Saffron and thereby authenticated Saffron will fetch better prices for the growers.

Kashmir Safrron is the lone brand in the world grown at an altitude of 1600 meters, which adds to its uniqueness and differentiate it from other saffron varieties due to its unique characteristics like longer and thicker stigma, natural deep-red colour, high aroma, bitter flavor, chemical free processing and high quality colour strength, flavor and bitterness.

Saffron which is produced in the Karewas of Pampore, the hub of saffron in Kashmir, is being promoted since past one decade under the national mission on saffron (NMS).

Under the NMS, a project of Rs 411 crore was approved by the Government of India in 2010-2011, under which an area of 3,715 hectare of saffron was proposed to be rejuvenated.

Under the mission, India International Saffron Trade Centre (Saffron Park) has been commissioned at Dussu area in Pampore.

Saffron production in Kashmir was under threat of extinction due to decline in productivity from an average of 3.13 kg per hectare to 1.88 kg per hectare over the years. However, there was some improvement witnessed under the NMS. Though the area under Saffron cultivation is still craving for an effective Sprinkler Irrigation System, the growers have insisted on its commissioning so that a regular crop of this prized produce is ensured every year.

Besides, the much a talked about state of art Spice Park also needs to be commissioned to ensure a viable marketing platform for the growers and promoters of Saffron crop.

Saffron cultivation has over the years witnessed a huge decline. Most of the areas under cultivation have been converted into residential areas and some land has even been converted for various other agricultural activities.

This was obviously owing to the non availability of initiatives including guidance on saffron corms on scientific basis, integrated nutrient management, integrated disease and pest management and technical guidance by the field functionaries to the growers.

All this needs to be rejuvenated so that the Saffron cultivation witnesses the much needed boost and promotion.