Committed to provide adequate irrigation facilities to growers: Javaid Dar
Ishtiyaq Kar
Srinagar, Nov 23 (KINS): Kashmir, renowned for its high-quality saffron, has faced a significant setback in cultivation this year due to a combination of adverse climatic conditions and increasing pressure from a growing population.
The region, which has long been a global hub for saffron production, is witnessing a marked decline in output, posing a threat to the livelihood of thousands of farmers and the legacy of this treasured spice.
One of the primary reasons for the reduced saffron yield has been deficient rainfall during the crucial growing season. Saffron cultivation, which is highly dependent on timely and adequate rainfall, has suffered as prolonged dry spells disrupted the irrigation cycle.
“This year’s seed was good but the fields were dry. In absence of moisture, produce got hit badly in Pampore,” said Ghulam Qadir Rather, a saffron farmer from Pampore while speaking to news agency KINS.
Despite efforts to mitigate these challenges through improved irrigation systems like the government’s Saffron Mission initiative, many fields were left parched, significantly impacting the flowering process and, ultimately, the harvest.
Adding to the problem is the mounting pressure from a rapidly growing population in saffron-producing areas. With the population boom, agricultural land traditionally used for cultivating saffron is being encroached upon for housing and infrastructure development. This reduction in the available area for saffron farming has further shrunk the overall production capacity of the region.
Farmers, who depend heavily on saffron cultivation for their livelihood, have expressed growing concern over these challenges. “This year’s yield is a fraction of what we usually produce,” lamented another saffron grower in Pampore, a region often referred to as the ‘Saffron Bowl of Kashmir.’ He attributed the dwindling harvest not only to unfavorable weather conditions but also to the increasing urbanization of agricultural land.
Experts have also raised alarms over the long-term sustainability of saffron farming in Kashmir. They stress the urgent need for intervention, including modern farming techniques, better irrigation infrastructure, and stricter measures to preserve agricultural land. Without these steps, the heritage and economy associated with Kashmiri saffron face an uncertain future.
The decline in saffron production has broader implications beyond Kashmir. Kashmiri saffron, known for its superior quality, holds a prestigious position in international markets. A reduction in output could lead to higher prices, making it less accessible to consumers and threatening its global reputation.
Farmers and agricultural experts are calling for coordinated efforts from both the government and the community to address these challenges. Investments in advanced irrigation systems, incentives to preserve agricultural land, and promotion of sustainable farming practices could help revive saffron cultivation. Moreover, public awareness campaigns emphasizing the cultural and economic importance of saffron could encourage collective action to safeguard this centuries-old tradition.
The situation this year serves as a wake-up call for all stakeholders to act swiftly to ensure that Kashmir’s saffron, an emblem of its cultural heritage and agricultural pride, does not fade away in the face of environmental and demographic challenges.
Meanwhile, the Agriculture minister of J&K, Javaid Dar said the government will provide adequate irrigation facilities to Saffron growers wherever needed. ” I have sought a detailed report on this issue, ” he said. As far the conversion of Agriculture-land, government will ensure there is no unplanned conversion–(KINS)
