Srinagar, Nov 21: Saffron growers from south Kashmir’s Pampore area Tuesday expressed concerned over the delay in the completion of irrigation facility under the National Mission on Saffron (NMS) being implemented since 2010 in Kashmir.
According to farmers, the scarcity of rainfall from August to October results in the emergence of pests and diseases, adversely affecting the crop yield and causing concerns among other farmers as well.
Nevertheless, to enhance irrigation facilities and support farmers, government initiated a comprehensive project in 2010 in Kashmir aimed to alleviate the challenges faced by farmers, ensuring better irrigation for saffron crop and fostering agricultural development.
Abdul Majeed Wani, a saffron farmer from Pampore said the irrigation project meant for the saffron fields is still pending over the past 10 years.
“All the bore wells and pipes have been laid and are ready. There was a dispute which has been resolved. The main hurdle is funding issue from the government of India,” he said.
Wani said lack of timely irrigation facilities is the major problem in the area and farmers want that the project should be completed on time. “The project is still pending over the past ten years. The compounds have been completed but the irrigation is pending,” he said.
The farmer also said that recently, a meeting was held under the Chairmanship of Divisional Commissioner and they have assured to make the irrigation system successful.
The saffron famers also demand that the government should take appropriate measures to grow corms in huge number and work for its promotion and propagation.
Director Agriculture Kashmir, Chowdhary Muhammad Iqbal said the Union Territory Administration has taken up matter with Government of India and recommended the same.
“One week ago, we had received Rs 1.5 cr and we have distributed it with the departments that had worked for the same. We want to ensure welfare of farmers,” he said.
The director said once the weather improves the irrigation facilities would be installed successfully. “The benefit of the Saffron Mission would reach to the farmers. We are taking a mid-term review in consultation with the SKUAST-K,” he said.
Out of total land under saffron cultivation in Kashmir, more than 90 percent is in Pampore area of Pulwama while the rest is in Budgam and Srinagar. Known for its special aroma, saffron is a powerful flavouring and colouring agent.
