J&K Saffron Production Falls to 19.58 MT in 2024-25: Government Data
Production dips despite steady cultivation area; export earnings fall to ₹486.43 crore
Jammu, Feb 18: Saffron production in Jammu and Kashmir dropped to 19.58 metric tonnes in 2024–25, down from 23.53 MT in the previous year, according to official figures.
In a written response to a question by National Conference MLA Hasnain Masoodi, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary said that the total area under saffron cultivation in the Union Territory has remained unchanged at 1,116.27 hectares, but output and productivity have seen fluctuations over the years.
The data shared in the House showed a steady decline in production from 17.33 MT in 2020–21 to 14.87 MT in 2021–22 and 14.94 MT in 2022–23, followed by a sharp rise to 23.53 MT in 2023–24, before dipping again in 2024–25.
Average productivity, combining traditional and rejuvenated cultivation methods, increased from 4.02 kg per hectare in 2022–23 to 6.33 kg per hectare in 2023–24, but slipped to 5.27 kg per hectare in 2024–25.
Exports also declined, with 17.82 MT shipped during 2024–25, compared to 20.47 MT the previous year. The total value of saffron production stood at ₹534.53 crore, while export earnings were recorded at ₹486.43 crore.
From traditional (non-rejuvenated) saffron areas, production fell to 5.02 MT with a productivity of 4.5 kg per hectare, down from 5.44 MT and 4.87 kg per hectare in 2023–24.
The Deputy Chief Minister added that efforts are ongoing to stabilise and improve saffron output through enhanced agronomic practices and rejuvenation measures.
