Kashmir’s Saffron Under Threat as Production Falls Sharply

SRINAGAR: As saffron growers in the Pampore area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district begin harvesting the world-famous spice, concerns are mounting over the steady decline in production despite timely rainfall this year.

Growers fear that if immediate remedial steps are not taken, saffron cultivation in the region — known as the “saffron town of Kashmir” — may vanish completely by 2030.

Several farmers said that saffron yield has plummeted sharply, with last year’s harvest amounting to only 30 to 40 per cent of normal production. They attributed the fall to changing weather patterns, the absence of irrigation facilities, land conversion, and poor-quality saffron corms.

Abdul Ashiq Hussain, a grower from Pampore, said that although rainfall arrived on time this season, it failed to make a significant difference. “Last year, the saffron corm didn’t grow properly due to a prolonged heatwave, and this year, despite rains, the plants didn’t recover as there was a long dry spell. The situation is worsening each year,” he said.

He added that official interventions have largely remained confined to paper. “There is a spice park in Dusoo Pampore and GI tagging for Kashmiri saffron, but what’s the use of these schemes if production keeps falling? For the past 15 years, we’ve been hearing about the National Mission on Saffron, but on the ground, there are no functional irrigation facilities,” Hussain said.

Another grower, Ghulam Rasool, cautioned that saffron cultivation in Pampore could disappear altogether by 2030 if urgent action is not taken. “Every year, production declines. The government must wake up from its slumber. Instead of blame games, there should be concrete measures to revive this heritage crop, which is the pride of Kashmir,” he said.

Growers identified the main challenges as the lack of irrigation infrastructure, the conversion of saffron fields into residential and commercial spaces, and the shortage of quality corms.

Many farmers, they said, have begun sowing mustard or switching to horticulture due to repeated crop failures. “If this trend continues, Pampore’s saffron legacy will exist only in memory,” said a farmer from Lethpora.

The growers have appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the Agriculture Minister to intervene urgently. They have demanded the restoration of traditional irrigation channels, regular field inspections, and strict measures to prevent illegal corm extraction.

Official data shows that the area under saffron cultivation has declined from 5,707 hectares in 1996–97 to 2,387 hectares in 2019–2020 — a drop of around 65 per cent. Production, too, has fallen from 17.33 metric tonnes in 2021 to 14.87 MT in 2022, with only a marginal rise to 14.94 MT in 2023. Last year’s output was reportedly just 30 per cent of normal levels, with similar expectations this year.

While the National Mission on Saffron (NMS) has introduced sprinkler irrigation systems and awareness programmes, experts say the impact remains limited. “Siphoning of corms and poor land management continue to undermine the gains achieved under the mission,” said an agricultural scientist from SKUAST-K.

Pampore’s saffron — prized for its rich colour and aroma — has been a hallmark of Kashmir’s identity for centuries. But with shrinking cultivation, climate stress, and weak implementation of revival programmes, thousands of livelihoods now hang in the balance.

“Reviving saffron isn’t just about saving a crop,” said a group of growers. “It’s about preserving Kashmir’s tradition, culture, and identity. If no concrete action is taken now, by 2030, there may be no saffron left in Pampore.” (KNO)