Saffron production in the country is projected with a disheartening note and that too not without valid fears. Again, the climatic changes are leaving an adverse impact on the country’s agriculture and is one of the causes which is contributing towards the farmers’ distress. The continuous dry spell is going to affect the prospects of a normal yield of the famous Kashmir saffron as it is only here that it is traditionally grown in bulk. This dry spell is damaging the saffron crop especially when it is in the critical stage of growth.
The production of saffron in the country is expected to go down by 68.15 percent or just around 9.12 tones in the current crop. It is primarily due to the unabated dry spell this year in Jammu and Kashmir which is at the top of saffron growing areas in the country. Adding to it are other contributory factors like no departure from the old traditional practices, poor management of soil, no regard for spacing, poor nutrient management, weed menace and the main one of scant irrigation facilities.
Saffron is cultivated in the State of Himachal Pradesh too and major portion thereof is exported. The information under reference is revealed through the data/ figures issued by the Government which suggest that saffron output to be pegged at 9.12 tonne in 2017-18 crop year (June-Julyl) as against 28.64 tonne last year. The production was tremendously hit in 2014-15 due to unprecedented floods coming down to 8.51 tonne.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the demand for Indian saffron has increased in the global market. It is because of the presence of high quality active components like crocine, Picrocrocin and Safranal. In addition to it, saffron is used in many medicines, perfumes and dyes. It is also used as a flavoring agent for foods and beverages. Saffron cultivation and export is being promoted under the National Saffron Mission. The object of the “Mission” is to revive the saffron production in Jammu and Kashmir, to extend support for creation of irrigation facilities through tube wells and sprinkler sets and the like.
No doubt, hindrances and difficulties in the way of this expensive but profitable crop are numerous but the resolution thereof is to be found in the Saffron Mission itself.
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