Kashmiri saffron production peaks to highest in decade, crosses 13 metric tonnes

The Rs 410 crore National Mission on Saffron, launched in 2010, was aimed at rejuvenating the crop and introducing sprinkle irrigation. Under the scheme, 3,500 hectares of land where saffron is grown was covered.

The scheme led to an increase in per hectare production of saffron by 4.5 to 5 kilograms, Chief agriculture officer Mohammad Qasim Ghani said.

In Kashmir, the spice is mostly used in Kehwa, a slow-brewed sugary green tea infused with spices like cinnamon and cardamom and garnished with almonds. Saffron is also used in Wazwan, a traditional Kashmiri wedding meal cooked by special chefs that includes more than 30 dishes. (Image: AP Photo)

"Kashmir has the potential to produce 6 to 7 kilograms of saffron per hectare. Earlier in the 1980s, our production was over 6 kilograms," Hindustan Times further quoted him as saying.

Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also lauded the boost in saffron cultivation, calling it a "great achievement".

In Kashmir, the spice is a source of pride and has fueled the region’s economy and culture for centuries. But over the years its cultivation has faced troubles due to climate change, poor irrigation facilities and imports of cheaper Iranian saffron.

"Annual yield of the world’s costliest spice, #Saffron, cultivated in Kashmir has crossed 13 metric tonnes for the first time in the last 10 years (sic)," the LG's Office tweeted.

The bulk of Kashmir's saffron is grown in Pampore, based in South Kashmir. Out of the nearly 3,700 hectares of land where saffron is grown, around 3,200 hectares are based in Pampore. The remaining saffron farms are found on the outskirts of Srinagar and Budgam.