Srinagar, Nov 29 (KNO): Kashmir’s iconic saffron industry is on the brink of collapse, with growers warning that the next season’s production could plummet to a catastrophic 5% unless the government intervenes immediately.
Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the growers said that consecutive dry spells during the crucial autumn, summer and even winter months have severely affected corm health, putting the next season’s production at grave risk.
Farmers from several saffron-growing belts of Pulwama and other areas have urged the government to ensure the availability of certified, disease-free, high-yield corms well before planting begins next year.
Without timely intervention, the growers warned that the Valley could witness further low production in the coming year, as autumn this year has remained dry again.
They said the prolonged absence of rain over the last few years in autumn and summer has caused a rapid decline in soil moisture, directly impacting corm quality. Many farmers said the corms lifted this year were unusually small, lightweight and less productive.
“We are extremely worried. If the government does not supply quality corms before the next sowing season, production may not even reach 5% next year and will be even lower in the coming year,” said Abdul Gani, a grower from Lethpora.
“Last year we somehow managed, but this year the condition of corms is the worst and production we have seen in decades, and immediate steps won't be taken, it will dip further," he added.
Another farmer, Shakeela Bano from Chandhara, said her family has already reduced the area under saffron due to continuous losses. “The dry autumns have destroyed our corms. Unless the authorities step in, many families like ours will be forced to abandon saffron farming altogether," she said.
Farmers revealed that due to shrinking returns and rising input costs, saffron fields are slowly being converted into land for other crops.
“You can already spot mustard and other crops replacing saffron in many areas. Some people are even planting apple trees,” said Ghulam Rasool, a grower from Dusoo. He added, “If saffron is to survive, growers must feel secure. Nobody will continue with a crop that brings loss year after year.”
The growers have demanded that the Agriculture and Horticulture departments begin an early procurement and distribution process of high-quality corms to help revive the crop.
“We only want the government to step in at the right time,” said Mohammad Yousuf, a farmer from Samboora. “A single season of quality corms can change everything. But delay will push farmers out of this traditional and precious crop.”
Farmers said that saffron is not only a source of livelihood but a cultural identity of Kashmir, and allowing the crop to decline further would have long-term consequences for the region—(KNO)