Jammu & Kashmir Halts Decline in Saffron Cultivation, Plans Expansion

The Jammu and Kashmir government announced on Monday that it has successfully arrested the decline in saffron cultivation, maintaining the growing area at 3,715 hectares. Additionally, efforts are underway to expand cultivation into newly identified regions.

Agriculture Minister Javed Ahmed Dar informed the House that the saffron-growing region has remained steady since 2010-11, comprising 3,665 hectares in Kashmir and 50 hectares in Kishtwar district. He highlighted the positive impact of the National Mission on Saffron, launched in 2010-11 with a financial outlay of Rs 400.11 crore. Of this amount, Rs 315.99 crore was provided by the Government of India, while Rs 84.12 crore came from local farmers.

Revival Through National Mission on Saffron​

Dar credited the mission with substantially increasing saffron productivity—from 2.50 kilograms per hectare in 2009-10 to a record 4.42 kilograms per hectare in 2023. Scientific interventions and the establishment of the Indian Institute of Kashmir Saffron and Technology Centre (IIKSTC) have significantly benefited farmers by enhancing saffron quality and yield.

He emphasized improvements in saffron prices, noting a remarkable increase from Rs 80,000 per kilogram in previous years to Rs 2,20,000 per kilogram in 2021-22. Additionally, saffron stigma recovery improved from 22 grams per kilo to 28 grams per kilo, further boosting farmers' returns.

Productivity and Revenue Growth​

Minister Dar stated that saffron production rose from 14.87 metric tonnes in 2022 to 14.94 tonnes in 2023. Meanwhile, the market value saw a significant increase, reaching Rs 291.33 crore in 2023 compared to Rs 261.38 crore in 2022. The introduction of an e-auction system has also enhanced transparency and fair pricing for saffron growers.

Persistent Challenges: Irrigation and Land Encroachments​

Despite the mission's successes, the minister acknowledged ongoing challenges, primarily relating to inadequate irrigation infrastructure and land encroachments. The government had initially planned 124 community bore-wells to irrigate 3,665 hectares. However, only eight bore-wells—four each in Srinagar and Budgam—are currently operational, while 77 remain non-functional.

Dar noted that high operational and maintenance costs discourage farmers from utilizing bore-wells. Additionally, threats from real estate developers and land grabbers have posed serious challenges, with reported incidents of bore-well and irrigation equipment damage.

Government’s Commitment to Improvement​

In response to concerns raised by several members, including BJP's Sunil Sharma, regarding discrepancies in mission expenditure, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather intervened to address members’ queries.

Minister Dar assured that an inquiry into the department's performance and expenditures would be conducted. He emphasized the government’s commitment to resolving irrigation issues, protecting saffron-growing land, and involving farmers actively in policy-making decisions.

“The success of the saffron mission relies heavily on sustained farmer engagement, improved irrigation facilities, and proactive protection against land encroachment,” Dar concluded.