Saffron is losing its sheen. Crop failure and dwindling production of Iranian variety have dealt a blow to the farmers.
Crop failure, adulteration affecting product
PAMPORE-PULWAMA: Exotic Kashmiri saffron is fast losing its sheen in the valley. Crop failure, dwindling production and adulteration of cheaper Iranian variety have dealt a blow to the saffron farmers, who are contemplating switching over to cultivating other crops for better earnings.
This year saffron production has witnessed a steep fall, plunging the farmers into a deep crisis. “There is 50 to 60 per cent drop in the saffron production in certain areas of Pampore. Farmers have demanded that the government should lift the ban on constructions on saffron land. They want to sell their land to earn some money,” said Haji AR Bhat, advisor, J&K Saffron Growers and Dealers Association.
Floods and primitive farming methods are being held responsible for this year’s crop failure and dwindling production. “Rains and floods have resulted in excessive vegetative growth and multiplication of corn seeds. As a result there was less saffron flower boom which has resulted in less production,” said Ghulam Hyder Bhat, Director of Agriculture department, Kashmir.
According to official figures the saffron production was 64 quintals in 2005 against 140 quintals last year. Each kilo of A-grade (mongra) saffron used to sell at Rs35,000 to Rs40,000. The other varieties usually sell at Rs25,000 per kilo. But this year, farmers say, the rates have fallen to Rs30,000 per kilo for mongra and Rs21,000 for other varieties.
What has added another nail to the coffin is the adulteration of cheap Iranian saffron with Kashmiri variety. “There are some who are selling adulterated saffron calling it the Kashmiri variety. This has caused a dent to our image and affected our marketing,” said Zahoor Ahmad Mir, MLA Pampore. “People are now looking to government’s help.
Measures like sprinkling irrigation facility and dumping duty on Iranian saffron should be levied to protect the interests of growers”, said GM Pampori, president J&K Saffron Growers and Dealers Association.
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