Govt mulls to set-up kiosks for selling GI tagged Saffron along NH

Pulwama, June 15: Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare Kashmir is mulling to set up a marketing facility for selling of GI ( Geographical Indication) tagged saffron along national highway.
On the sidelines of a review meet on Saffron, Director Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare, Mohammad Iqbal Chowdhry told media here at IIKSTC (Indian International Kashmir Saffron Trade Centre) Dusso Pampore on Thursday that the department is going to set up a marketing facility along national highway before commencement of this year’s Amarnath Yatra for selling GI tagged saffron to tourists.
“ It is our endeavour to sell pure quality GI tagged Kashmiri saffron to tourists so that they don’t fall prey to any mischief,” Chowdhary said, adding that they are going to set up a marketing facility along National Highway prior to commencement of annual Amarnath Yatra.
“ We will make some temporary arrangement along the National Highway in case setting up a proper marketing facility (mandi) gets delayed,” he said, adding that Kiosks will also be set up along three major tourist routes which include the roads leading to Sonmarg, Phalgam and Gulmarg.
The Kiosks will feature traditional niche crops of Kashmir, he said.
He said that the department is determined to promote GI tagged saffron among local and foreigner tourists.
“ Our motive is that GI tagged Kashmiri saffron should reach to as many tourists as possible,” he said.
The Director also said that saffron growers association Kashmir has intended to serve saffron Kehwa to tourists free of cost through their FPO’s ( Farmer Producer Organisations).
The Director felt proud on the voluntarily gesture by saffron growers of Kashmir to serve Kaiser Kehwa to yatris and tourists and termed it as a great initiative.
“I will take up this matter with authorities and talk to the district administration also so that these farmers are provided a space for serving Saffron Kehwa to tourists,” he said, adding that it will add one more feather to the rich heritage of Kashmir for exhibiting great hospitality to visitors.