Saffron Production Declines in Kashmir Valley | 19 Nov 2024

Why in News?

The Kashmir Valley has experienced a notable decline in production of saffron due to insufficient rainfall.

• The harvest, traditionally carried out from mid-October to November, is primarily concentrated in South Kashmir's Pampore, famously known as the "Saffron Bowl of Kashmir."

Key Points

• Rainfall Deficit in Kashmir:
  • Srinagar meteorological department reported a 79% rainfall deficit from 1^st October to 14^th November 2024, following a 26% deficit during the monsoon, severely affecting agriculture, including saffron.
• Government Initiatives:
  • The National Mission on Saffron (NMS), launched in 2010–11, aims to address challenges in saffron cultivation.
  • In 2020, Kashmiri saffron received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, with efforts underway to position it as a globally recognized brand.
• Farmers’ Demands:
  • Farmers emphasize the need for operational borewells and enhanced funding under NMS to ensure sustainable saffron cultivation and address ongoing challenges.
• Saffron:
  • Saffron is a plant whose dried stigmas (thread-like parts of the flower) are used to make saffron spice.
  • Saffron cultivation is believed to have been introduced in Kashmir by Central Asian immigrants around the 1^st Century BCE.
  • It has been associated with traditional Kashmiri cuisine and represents the rich cultural heritage of the region.
  • It is a very precious and costly product.
  • In ancient Sanskrit literature, Saffron is referred to as ‘Bahukam’.
  • It is cultivated and harvested in the Karewa (highlands) of Jammu and Kashmir.
  • Types:
    • There are three types of saffron available in Kashmir Lachha Saffron, Mongra Saffron and Guchhi Saffron.
  • Importance:
    • It rejuvenates health and is used in cosmetics and for medicinal purposes.
    • It has been associated with traditional Kashmiri cuisine and represents the rich cultural heritage of the region.