The State Tourism Department organized a "Saffron Mela" at Pampore in the first week of November. It was the first of its kind activity undertaken by the Department to project the importance of this industry for Saffron cultivators and Traders as well as a source of generating direct and indirect revenues for the state. Saffron cultivation was spread far and wide in Pampore and its surrounding villages and was the mainstay of income for the area. The produce was thousands of kilograms for many years. Now the cultivation has reduced mainly due to encroachment on cultivable land by raising habitations, conversion to orchards and onslaught of dust infestation by spread of cement industries in its neighbouring areas. The cultivation became non-profitable due to low rates till 2007 and consequent lack of interest to grow more. However the prices have increased manifold during 2008 onwards and is now touching Rs.2.50 Lacs a Kg. The main hurdle in intensive cultivation is due to dependence on rains which haven’t taken place frequently for the last several years, resulting in less yield. In spite of our repeated pleas the successive governments have not paid any attention to this demand of providing Sprinkler Irrigation System nor has any effort been made to establish intensive farming centres to boost cultivation or provide organic manure essential for its rapid growth. Recently the Minister for Agriculture has called for a report from experts to boost the cultivation. It would have been very encouraging if a "Saffron Kissan Mela" would be been organized in the area to elicit on the spot opinions and suggestions of cultivators and traders. Such Melas have been organized in Budgam and Varmul districts. Unfortunately the issue did not figure during the discussion of recent District Development Board meeting. It is encouraging to note that during the current year, yield is better than the last several years and produce may touch more than 10,000 Kgs, thus encouraging the cultivators to bring more areas under cultivation of Saffron crop.
Er. Mir Ghulam Rasool
Cultivator
Baghat Barzulla, Srinagar

Lastupdate on : Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 IST