Spice Board of India plans int’l meet to boost Kashmir Saffron market

Pulwama, July 11: The Spice Board of India is planning an international buyer-seller meet in the coming months to enhance market linkages for Kashmiri saffron.
This initiative was announced by Dr. A.B. Rema Shree, Director of Spice Board of India, during a media interaction at the India International Kashmir Saffron Trade Centre (IIKSTC) in Pampore area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
Talking to media she said that during his first visit to Jammu and Kashmir since taking charge, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Jitin Prasada held detailed discussions with saffron growers and members of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) on Thursday.
She said that the minister addressed several issues raised by the stakeholders, including market linkage problems and price fluctuations.
Dr. Shree added that the farmers raised the issue of slow movement of Kashmiri saffron in the market due to the import of Iranian saffron, which has adversely affected local growers.
She emphasised that the Spice Board of India is committed to promoting and marketing Indian saffron.
She said that to support the saffron growers, the minister assured that the board will organise an international buyer-seller meet soon.
Dr Shree said this event aims to facilitate better market access for saffron producers from the area.
She revealed that the minister encouraged the participation of these farmers in international trade meets taking place in Delhi and other nearby locations.
The authorities reiterated their commitment to work collaboratively for the benefit of Kashmiri saffron growers, ensuring that their produce receives the recognition and market presence it deserves.
Javid Ahmad Dar, a local farmer, said that the meeting with the minister of state for commerce and industry was facilitated by the Spice Board of India.
He said that the meet was held to discuss how to revive the saffron industry in Kashmir.
Dar said that after giving a patient ear to farmers’ suggestions, he instructed Director Agriculture Kashmir and Managing Director Trade Promotion Organisation for arranging a meet of saffron growers with big buyers from the country and other parts of the world.
He said that through such meetings market linkages for promotion of saffron will emerge.