Pulwama, July 06: EliskaZigova, the Czech Republic’s Ambassador to India, commenced her inaugural visit to Jammu and Kashmir by engaging with local business and trade representatives and exploring the region’s renowned saffron cultivation in Pampore.
During her three-day visit aimed at exploring trade opportunities between the two countries, Ambassador Zigova expressed enthusiasm about her interactions and observations. “This is my first official visit to Jammu and Kashmir. I met people and had good discussions with representatives of business and trade,” Ambassador Zigova said.
Highlighting her visit to the India International Kashmir Saffron Trading Centre (IIKSTC) in Pampore, she expressed delight in witnessing the exceptional quality of saffron produced in the region. “I witnessed how saffron is developed here and I was told that the world’s best quality saffron grows here,” she remarked.
Khalid Jahangir, Managing Director of the Trade Promotion Organisation, noted that Ambassador Zigova and her delegation were briefed by Mohammad IqbalChaudhry, Director of Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare Kashmir. They were shown how saffron is meticulously processed in the institute’s state-of-the-art laboratory, showcasing the unique qualities that distinguish Pampore’s saffron. “Ambassador Zigova was highly impressed with the quality of Pampore’s saffron,” Jahangir said.
Jahangir hopes that buyers from the Czech Republic will connect with local saffron farmers. “We will strive to facilitate this relationship and ensure that our local products reach international markets,” he said, assuring the government’s commitment to strengthening market linkages for Kashmiri saffron to enhance its global reputation.
Javaid Ahmad Dar, a local saffron grower, shared his optimism following a detailed discussion with the Ambassador. “We are hopeful that GI-tagged saffron from Kashmir will be exported to the Czech Republic. We also expect potential buyers from the country to visit us for saffron trade,” he said. Dar believes that such international interest will help revive the historical significance of saffron farming in Kashmir, providing a much-needed boost to local farmers.
