Saffron production faces sharp decline CRISIS
World’s most expensive spice is facing an existential challenge in Kashmir due to climate change, urbanisation and early snowfall
SRINAGAR: Saffron, the world’s most expensive spice and Jammu and Kashmir’s second largest industry after horticulture, is facing an all-time decline in production due to long-term issues like climate change, urbanisation and early snowfall in November this year, growers say. The growers estimate that the saffron produce is likely to fall by half – two tonnes – in 2018-2019 compared to last year.
Around 17.56 tonnes of saffron, which sells for between ~1.5 lakh ~2.25 lakh per kg, was produced in the 2012-13 season. The produce has since nosedived. It came down to just four tonnes last season. ‘’Untimely snowfall… caused huge damage to the saffron. As per our estimates, this year production will not cross more than two tonnes,’’ said Saffron Growers Association president Abul Majid Wani. He said even last year the production was not as encouraging due to drought-like condition and less rainfall from August to October.
He said the quality seeds, timely irrigation, and proper marketing could boost the saffron production. “Once the Saffron Mission will get completed, we are hopeful the production per hectare will be more than five to six kg,’’ said Wani, referring to the ~ 400 crore mission launched in 2010 to enhance saffron production in Kashmir. He said the mission has been extended for two more years as 128 sprinkle bore wells, which had to be constructed with the Centre’s assistance, have not been completed. Wani added that only eight or nine bore wells have been completed. Saffron production has traditionally depended on rain and introducing sprinkler irrigation for it was an important aspect of the mission. Farmers say rainfall in September and October is vital for the crop to flower. It has not rained during this period or rained a lot over the last few years.
Jammu and Kashmir agriculture department director Altaf Ajaz Andarbi said they were still gathering data about the production. “The sunshine after the snowfall could have helped the growers in the production. Only after tabulation, we will be able to comment on the production.’’
India, where saffron is only grown in Kashmir, is the leading producer of the spice after Iran even as the land on which it is grown has shrunk over the years. Saffron is now grown across at least 230 villages in South Kashmir’s Pampore area.
Officials blame rapid urbanisation from the decrease in the land on which saffron is grown. From 5,800 hectares in the late 1990s, the spice is now grown over 3,800 hectares. Sher-e-kashmir University of Agriculture and Technology (SKUAST) researcher Farooq Lone said irrigation plays a pivotal role in saffron production. He said the growers were still following old techniques. “Other than Kashmir, the saffron production per hectare is over seven kilogram. In Kashmir, it is mere 1.25 to 2 kilograms per hectare.’’
He blamed cement factories for the decline in production. Sher Dar, who heads SKUAST’S saffron research station, said timely irrigation or rainfall could help to double or triple saffron production in Kashmir in the coming years. “If there will be timely rainfall between August to October, then yield could be bumper.’’ He said the SKUAST observed the Saffron Day in November and farmers were guided on how to improve production by implementing the latest techniques.
Dar cautioned urbanisation was posing a grave threat to the saffron production. “Houses are being constructed on the land meant to grow saffron... this needs to be stopped.”