Restoration of the Pristine Glory of Kashmir Saffron
28-03-2022 : Kashmir has the honour of producing quality saffron. It is among the few superior quality of saffron producing areas of the world. Saffron is cultivated on the uplands which are also locally known as Wudur (Kerewas).Saffron has always played a pivotal role in the Kashmiri cuisine traditional, cultural, religious functions in the valley.
Jammu & Kashmir is the second largest Saffron producing area in the world and is only place in the country where saffron is being cultivated. Saffron produced at farmer fields in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is of best quality which proffers strong flavour, aroma and colour effect as well in comparison to Saffron produced across the world.
More than 30000 families in J&K located in 226 villages are associated with saffron cultivation
Saffron is collected from the blossoms of Crocus sativus (Iridaceae), commonly known as saffron crocus or saffron bulbs. It is propagated by bulbs called corms. Each corm forms new bulbs, and this is how the plant multiplies.
Saffron flowers come out in autumn and are harvested for the red stigmas that we all know as saffron threads, from which the spice is derived. Each blossom yields three stigmas and are carefully picked by hand. This process is tedious and meticulous. This explains why saffron spice came to be so precious as to be called the red gold.
Saffron crocus is grown in countries like Iran, India, Afghanistan, Italy, France, New Zealand, Pennsylvania, Spain, Portugal, Greece and Morocco, Turkey and some parts of China.
The Central and state government are putting every efforts to maintain the identity of Kashmir Saffron and eliminate the role of intermediaries from the marketing channel for better pricing for growers in the domestic and international market.
The government working hard to motivating orthodox mindset of farmers towards adopting scientific methodology for promoting saffron cultivation as bold initiatives like prophylactic measures and soil health reclamation measure are being taken which are proving a game changer in Saffron cultivation in J&K.
Collection centre unit set up for collection of produce from farmers, proper weighing, issuing code numbers, tagging and maintenance of record. The laboratory is equipped with all the facilities and machines to provide accurate and globally acceptable test results have been set up.
With the tireless efforts of the central government, Saffron got the Geographical Indication Tag and paved way for it to become a powerful brand in the international market.
To acquaint the saffron growers/sellers with the mechanism/ protocol to be adopted for post-harvest management of saffron and its e- auctioning under Kashmir saffron brand, the department of Agriculture Kashmir organizes many awareness training programmes.
Further, more and more workshop on market sensitization to boost the export should be organized. These frequent workshops will not only upgrade the new entrepreneurs but also enable the officers involved in marketing to prepare a better roadmap which will enhance the e-marketing of the saffron. Beside this, indoor saffron gardens needs to be opened to cater to the growing demand at the national and international levels.
The LG administration in the recent past have taken many steps to boost the sale of geographical indication tagged Saffron from Kashmir like launching in Al Maya Super Market, Dubai, UAE.
Similarly, the Consulate General of India, New York in association with Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organisation (JKTPO) and US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) organized a virtual International outreach programme cum conference to promote the export of Saffron of the Union Territory. The event, which was aimed at to increase the export of this globally renowned spice in the US market.
Hopefully, these all combined efforts of government and farmers with the use of modern technology and enhanced facilities being provided will usher a new era of prosperity for better tomorrow.
