Mission that needs rejuvenation
Kashmir has the distinction of producing some unique crops which have not only earned a name for the Valley but for the produce as well. One such cash crop that stands out boldly is the Saffron, which has been one of the most talked about crop raised in the Kashmir Karewas.
However, Saffron production in Kashmir is facing a steep decline as both the area under cultivation and total production have seen drastic reductions over the past many years.
Notably, 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.
Ironically, the area under saffron cultivation also 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.
Saffron, its use and consumption in food items made it a top cash crop that was always sought after by visitors in Kashmir. Not only the domestic tourists but foreigners as well would always seek its availability and take it with them as a token from the Valley.
Given the demand and shrinkage of land for cultivation of Saffron, the government announced the National Saffron Mission (NSM) in 2010-11 to boost saffron cultivation in Jammu and Kashmir and elsewhere as well.
However, various hiccups and the climate change coupled with other factors like pollution and pests, contributed to the decline in the output of the crop which has created a flutter among the farmers and growers.
While overall yield has declined, the government points to improved productivity in select plots revitalised under the National Saffron Mission.
Interestingly, data reflects 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.
The Saffron cultivation is highly sensitive to weather changes, affecting its productivity to a large extent. Besides, corm rot disease and pests pose a significant threat to the crop.
Over the past few years growers have been complaining of increased porcupine attacks on Saffron fields that devour the corm and bring devastation to huge chunks of Saffron fields.
Other ailments that have affected the crop are the fluctuating market prices and competition from Iranian saffron which is affecting the trade and the local farmers to a huge extent.
As of now the entire Saffron cultivation and trade practices associated with it remains uncertain. Without urgent action to restore irrigation, halt land encroachment, and promote innovative practices, agricultural experts and farmers fear that the Valley may lose its treasured saffron heritage during the next few years.
