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Kashmir’s Saffron Sector Shrinking Rapidly

Kashmir’s Saffron Sector Shrinking Rapidly
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Farmers Fear Complete Collapse within 5 Years

By: Our Special Correspondent

Srinagar: Kashmir’s iconic saffron sector is facing a steep decline as both the area under cultivation and total production have seen drastic reductions over the past decade.

Official data reveals that saffron production has dropped by more than 67 percent, from 8.0 metric tonnes in 2010–11 to just 2.6 metric tonnes in 2023–24, sparking alarm among growers and agricultural experts.

The area under saffron cultivation in Jammu and Kashmir remains stagnant at 3,715 hectares, with 3,665 hectares in the Kashmir Valley and 50 hectares in Kishtwar. In the 1990s, saffron fields covered approximately 5,707 hectares, but the sector has suffered from rampant urbanisation, illegal land conversions, and soil exploitation for brick kilns.

Farmers warn that if the trend continues, the region may lose its centuries-old saffron tradition within the next five years.

“We used to harvest around 2.5 to 3 kilograms of saffron from one kanal of land. This year, it barely touched 1 kilogram,” said Abdul Rashid, a saffron grower from Lethpora.

“We are watching our fields dry up and our livelihood disappear,” he added.

Another farmer, Shabnam Jan of Dusoo village, said the lack of functioning irrigation has left them helpless.

“They promised us sprinklers and water pumps under the Saffron Mission, but most of them are lying defunct. How can we grow anything without water, especially with no rainfall during flowering,” she added.

Climate change has had a devastating impact on production. Long dry spells during the flowering season are becoming more frequent. In 2024, a severe drought during September and October led to a 50 percent reduction in saffron bloom across Pampore and adjoining areas.

“I don’t think my children will be able to continue this work. The younger generation is already leaving farming. If it keeps going this way, saffron farming will end with us,” said Ghulam Nabi Dar, another long-time grower from Chandhara.

While overall yield has declined, the government points to improved productivity in select plots revitalised under the National Saffron Mission (NSM), which was launched in 2010–11.

Data shows an increase in productivity from 2.5 kg per hectare in 2009–10 to 4.42 kg per hectare in 2022–23, with a peak of 5.14 kg per hectare in 2020–21. Around 2,598 hectares of land have reportedly been rejuvenated under the mission. However, farmers argue that these gains are limited to a small portion of the total saffron-growing area.

To cope with climate unpredictability, some farmers and scientists from SKUAST-K have started experimenting with indoor saffron cultivation. The bulbs are grown in trays within climate-controlled rooms, shielding them from erratic weather and wildlife damage. Early results have shown promise, and experts believe indoor farming may offer a sustainable alternative if supported by policy and investment.

To improve market access and protect authenticity, the government has established the India International Kashmir Saffron Trading Centre (IIKSTC) in Pampore. This facility offers e-auctions, GI tagging, grading, and packaging to help farmers fetch better prices and maintain global quality standards.

Despite these interventions, the future of Kashmir’s saffron sector remains uncertain. Without urgent action to restore irrigation, halt land encroachment, and promote innovative practices, agricultural experts and farmers alike fear that the Valley may lose its treasured saffron heritage entirely by 2030.

 

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