Saffron cultivation a success in Udhampur

Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir has become the third region to successfully grow saffron, the world's most expensive spice.

Saffron is cultivated in Pampore in Srinagar and Kishtwar district in Jammu region.

Udhampur District Development commissioner Ajay Khajuria, who was on a special visit here, confirmed the reports about the successful trial produce of saffron in the fields of Panchari and Dudu-Basantgarh regions of the district.

He said soon the farmers of the remote hilly belts would adopt saffron cultivation for their socio-economic transformation.

"Keeping in view the high demand, lofty returns and easy marketing due to its non-perishable characteristics, it is the most suitable alternative for the farmers of hilly belts of the district which have poor communication facilities, making it difficult to transport fruit and vegetable produce to the market," Khajuria said.

At present, owing to higher demand of saffron in the food industry, it is being imported, he said, adding that the cultivation of this spice would help to meet demand to some extent.