Hopes dashed to the ground
Just as the harvest season for the prized cultivation of Saffron was about to begin growers spread across thousands of acres of land across Pulwama district had to face the grim reality of a reduced output.
This year the growers were expecting a bumper crop as timely rains and technical support from various government agencies were making the farmers hopeful about an increased production.
However, as the days progressed towards the harvest farmers reported a drastic fall in bloom — barely 15 percent compared to normal years which experts claim were due to rising temperatures, soil fatigue and irregular precipitation.
Due to the intense heat last year and this summer, the saffron corms didn’t respond well. Though the region reported a timely rainfall, but the seed didn’t bloom the way it should have as the bloom this year stands at around 15 percent only.
In the sprawling Karewas of Pampore, where the air is usually heavy with saffron fragrance in October, the mood is subdued. The farmers are reporting lowest bloom in over six years with the corms that bloomed, the flowers were very weak.
Saffron production in Kashmir has been witnessing a decline and this year the hopes from the prized product were quite high. In 2023, Kashmir produced 14.94 metric tonnes of saffron, with a value of Rs 291.33 crore. The production has fluctuated over the years, with 17.33 metric tonnes produced in 2021 and 14.87 metric tonnes in 2022.
Though various reasons are attributed to the downfall in production, climate change has been one of the key contributors to low production. Erratic rainfall, rising temperatures, and changing weather patterns have affected saffron production as a 79% rainfall deficit in 2024 severely impacted the crop and the corms that produce saffron.
The Karewas of Pulwama district spread in vast patches across Pampore lack proper irrigation facilities, including borewells and sprinkler systems which hampers production.
Besides, rapid urbanisation and land encroachment has been threatening the industry for long.
