Srinagar, June 18: The Jammu and Kashmir Agriculture Production Department is undertaking several efforts to expand the area under saffron cultivation and promote saffron farming in other districts.
Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture Production Department, Atal Dulloo, said the government of Jammu and Kashmir is currently undertaking efforts to expand the area under saffron cultivation and promote saffron farming in other districts of the valley.
“This initiative is aimed at increasing the production of saffron and creating new opportunities for farmers to earn a livelihood,” he said.
While the government’s efforts to expand the cultivation of saffron are commendable, Dulloo said it is important to note that saffron cultivation is a highly specialized and labor-intensive process that requires considerable skill and expertise.
“Therefore, it is essential to provide farmers with the necessary training, infrastructure and support to ensure that they can effectively cultivate and market their saffron produce with any problem,” he said.
Dulloo said with proper support and guidance, saffron farming has the potential to become a significant source of income for farmers in Jammu and Kashmir, contributing to the growth and development of the region’s economy.
Kashmir valley is renowned for its exquisite saffron, which is highly prized for its unique flavor, aroma, and medicinal properties.
“Out of the total land area of 5,707 hectares dedicated to saffron cultivation in Kashmir, more than 90 percent is concentrated in Pampore tehsil of Pulwama district in South Kashmir. The remaining land is distributed between central Kashmir’s Budgam and Srinagar districts,” he said.
Pampore’s favourable climatic conditions, including its rich soil and dry climate with low humidity, make it an ideal location for growing high-quality saffron.
“The saffron fields in Pampore are renowned for producing the finest quality saffron, which has earned the area the title of the Saffron Bowl of Kashmir,’ he said.
Officials at the Directorate of Agriculture said that the department is working for the promotion of corm and several measures are being taken for the same.
