Hi-tech stigma separation, grading, quality analysis, packing, e-auction marketing , G.I. under one roof: Director Agriculture Kashmir

PAMPORE: Keeping in view the upcoming saffron season and for providing quality facilities to the saffron growers , Director, Agriculture Production & Farmer’s Welfare Department Chowdhary Mohammad Iqbal today held a joint meeting of officers of the Department, Saffron Growers and representatives of Saffron Growers Association at India International Kashmir Saffron Trade Centre at Dussu Pampore. Director said the facilities which will be provided to the saffron growers include hi-tech stigma separation, grading, quality analysis, packing, e-auction marketing and above all G.I. authenticity from IIKSTC.
The meeting was attended by Joint Director Agriculture Inputs Farooq Ahmad Shah, Joint Director Agriculture Extension Shahid Iqbal, Joint Director Agriculture Farms Dr. Syed Waseem Ahmad Shah, Chief Agriculture Officer Srinagar Mohammad Younis Chowdhary, Chief Agriculture Officer Pulwama G. M. Dhobi, Chief Agriculture Officer Budgam Syed Tafazal Madni, officials of IIKSTC and Saffron Growers.
During the meeting, Director stressed upon the officers and other functionaries of IIKSTC to be in a readiness while serving the saffron growing community during the ensuing saffron season. Director stressed upon the Chief Agriculture Officers to educate the saffron growers regarding latest marketing trends and other scientific innovations regarding saffron harvesting and post harvest technology.
On the occasion, Chowdhary Iqbal said India International Kashmir Saffron Trade Center is one of the best in Asian sub continent and the facilities being provided to the saffron growers is all set to provide Cutting-edge technology to revive Saffron industry.
During the interaction with the representatives of Saffron growers Director assured them that their genuine issues will be addressed. He said, “This IIKSTC establishment will play as a game changer in reviving the traditional Saffron sector. He said that this centre will boost the economy of this area as your saffron will be sold, graded and imported to various countries from this platform only. It will be sealed and certified here, which will be a trademark for Kashmiri saffron.”
Saffron Growers thanked Government of India for establishing of such an art of technology at their door step by which their income has increased manifold.
Earlier, Deputy Managing Director NHB who is also Consultant Ministry of Agriculture GoI Bijendra Singh, Joint Director NHB CP Gandhi, along with Director Agriculture Kashmir inspected different sections of IIKSTC and took stock of its working.

KR Desk