Farmers misusing Saffron irrigation pipes warned of legal action

Pulwama, Sept 27: Authorities of Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare, Kashmir have warned farmers misusing saffron irrigation pipes in Pampore area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama of legal action.
Director of Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare, Mohammad Iqbal Chowdhury, expressed deep concern over the misuse of resources.
“The pipes were given by the Agriculture Department for irrigation of saffron fields, but some farmers have misused them,” he said.
The pipes in question were part of the National Saffron Mission sanctioned by the government in 2010, with the primary objective of boosting saffron production.
They were designed to provide essential irrigation infrastructure, featuring deep bore wells and sprinkler sets, vital for flourishing saffron fields in the region.
However, it has come to the attention of authorities that over the years, certain farmers have misappropriated these pipes for unauthorised purposes, such as fencing or other forms of misuse.
Director Iqbal Chowdhury, during a recent visit to the area, noted this misuse and swiftly took action.
“I have instructed my officers to investigate this issue thoroughly. Those farmers who have misused the irrigation pipes will face stern action,” he said.
After instructions from the Director, Chief Agriculture Officer ( CAO) Pulwama, Mohammad Iqbal Khan, has written a letter to SSP Awantipora in this regard who has forwarded it to SHO Pampore.
“Those farmers who misuse the pipes will face legal action,” he said.
Kashmir has a rich tradition of saffron cultivation, primarily dependent on rainwater. However, climate change has begun to manifest itself with delayed rains and prolonged dry spells. Consequently, there has been a growing need for alternative irrigation methods to safeguard saffron crops.
Under the National Saffron Mission, the government has initiated digging of more than 100 deep bore wells in Pampore and adjacent saffron-growing areas. Approximately 72 bore wells have already been handed over to farmers, with ongoing efforts to make the rest operational.