ON A SAFFRON MISSION!! J&K Stabilizes Saffron Cultivation, Eyes Expansion

The Jammu and Kashmir government announced on Monday that it has successfully halted the decline in saffron cultivation, maintaining the cultivated area at 3,715 hectares since 2010-11—3,665 hectares in Kashmir and 50 in Kishtwar. Agriculture Minister Javed Ahmed Dar also revealed plans to expand into new areas, alongside an inquiry into the department’s efforts to boost saffron growth.

Responding to National Conference member Justice Hasnain Masoodi during Question Hour, Dar credited the National Mission on Saffron, launched in 2010-11 with Rs 400.11 crore, for revitalizing the sector. The initiative, backed by Rs 315.99 crore from the Government of India and Rs 84.12 crore from farmers, has spent Rs 259.67 crore of the released Rs 269.91 crore. Productivity has soared from 2.50 kg per hectare in 2009-10 to 4.42 kg in 2023, while saffron prices have risen from Rs 80,000 per kg to Rs 2,20,000 per kg in 2021-22.

Dar highlighted the role of modern techniques, the Indian Institute of Kashmir Saffron and Technology Centre (IIKSTC), and scientific drying methods, which boosted saffron stigma recovery from 22 grams to 28 grams per kilo and improved color quality from 8% to 16%. An e-auction system has also eliminated middlemen, ensuring fair prices. Production edged up from 14.87 metric tonnes in 2022 to 14.94 tonnes in 2023, with values fluctuating between Rs 261.38 crore and Rs 291.33 crore.

However, challenges persist. Irrigation remains a bottleneck, with only eight of 124 planned community bore-wells operational—77 are non-functional due to high maintenance costs farmers hesitate to bear. Land encroachments and damage to irrigation systems by real estate developers further threaten progress. Dar noted complaints have been filed with revenue officials.

Despite these hurdles, Dar emphasized the mission’s successes and the government’s commitment to addressing gaps. Committees involving saffron growers, traders, and civil society have been formed to shape policy. “The mission’s future hinges on better irrigation, farmer engagement, and safeguarding land,” he said, signaling a determined push to sustain and expand J&K’s saffron legacy.