Pulwama, Oct 26: The India International Kashmir Saffron Trading Centre (IIKSTC) in Pampore has started processing fresh saffron flowers as Kashmir’s saffron harvest season begins.
Farmers from various areas are bringing their flowers to the center for stigma separation and drying, marking an important phase in Kashmir’s renowned saffron industry.
Dr. Khursheed Ahmad, the Incharge of IIKSTC, explained that the saffron bloom is just starting and the harvest season is in its early phase.
He said that they are hopeful of a good saffron crop this year.
“Farmers have been bringing their flowers to our facility since last week,” he noted. “They’re taking full advantage of our advanced technologies, which simplify and accelerate saffron processing.”
The IIKSTC facility, developed by the government, is designed to improve the efficiency and quality of saffron production by automating the traditionally labor-intensive processes of stigma separation and drying. In the past, farmers relied on sun drying, a method that could take up to four days and risked affecting the quality of the saffron. Now, with IIKSTC’s advanced vacuum dryers, the drying process takes only 30 minutes, preserving the product’s premium quality.
After drying, the saffron is tested in a NABL-accredited laboratory, where it is certified with a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, verifying its authenticity and premium grade. Farmers then have the option to sell their GI-tagged saffron directly in the market or to a broader clientele through the center’s e-auction platform, which reaches registered buyers across India.
Officials have noted that the IIKSTC’s contributions have significantly boosted local incomes, with many farmers earning twice as much for their high-quality saffron.
This progress has attracted national recognition, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi commending the Jammu and Kashmir administration’s efforts to support saffron farmers.
