Focus on strengthening production, quality, market linkages
*6500 Kanals addl land to be cultivated with ‘red gold’ in 4 yrs
Bivek Mathur
JAMMU, July 3: The Agriculture Department of the Jammu and Kashmir Government is set to conduct a detailed value chain study of the saffron sector in the region to enhance production, improve quality and ensure stronger market linkages for the growers.
The move is part of a broader strategy under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) aimed at promoting high-value niche crops, including saffron and aromatic rice.
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As per an official document in possession of the Excelsior, the study will cover all major saffron-producing areas in the Union Territory, including Pampore in Kashmir-widely known as the “Saffron Bowl of India”-and parts of the Kishtwar district in the Jammu province.
Currently, saffron is cultivated over 3,715 hectares, with 3,665 hectares in the Kashmir Division and 50 hectares in Kishtwar. The crop holds significant economic value, with nearly 90 percent of the produce exported to national and international markets.
As per the Government document, the value chain study is being undertaken to assess the existing challenges in saffron production, processing, post-harvest management, and marketing.
It will involve field surveys and data collection across the saffron belt to understand ground realities and identify opportunities for improving productivity and farmer incomes.
The study will also focus on the complete ecosystem of saffron cultivation and explore avenues for adding value to the product.
In recent years, saffron production in the region had declined, with average yields dropping to 1.88 kilograms per hectare.
However, interventions under the National Mission on Saffron, including the provision of assured irrigation and the adoption of good agricultural practices, have led to a significant revival, as during 2023-24, saffron productivity rose to a record 6.93 kilograms per hectare.
Under the HADP framework, the UT Government is also working on expanding the area under saffron cultivation, the document said.
It said, through the Jammu and Kashmir Community Infrastructure Project (JKCIP), 6,500 kanals of additional land are planned for cultivation of saffron which is popularly known as “red gold” over four years, with 500 kanals being added in 2024-25 and 2,000 kanals each in the following three years.
“This project places special emphasis on empowering fringe communities, particularly women farmers, by bringing them under the umbrella of organized farmer groups,” the Government document said.
It further said the upcoming study will serve multiple objectives.
“It aims to assess the saffron sector’s potential for growth, identify marketing gaps, understand the quality standards required in various markets, and evaluate the price trends,” the document said.
“It will also explore the role of private-sector participation in enhancing the sector’s value chain and suggest policy measures for sustainable development,” it said.
According to the document, a detailed report will be prepared based on the study, covering the current market scenario, price analysis, minimum quantity requirements, comparative quality insights, and marketing challenges faced by local producers.
Accordingly, the recommendations for overcoming these hurdles and strengthening the supply chain will be presented to the Department of Agriculture, Kashmir.
Pertinently, the value chain study will be completed within a period of 75 days.
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