Pampore: In view of the prevailing dry spell in Jammu and Kashmir, the Agriculture Department and Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture Sciences and Technology, Kashmir (SKUAST) along with farmers have been striving to minimise its impact on Saffron production.
Experts believe that the prevailing dry spell is likely to affect Saffron production in Jammu and Kashmir as September is the critical period for Saffron during which irrigation is essential for Saffron corms.
Talking to Kashmir Reader at Research Station Dusoo, Vice Chancellor Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture Sciences and Technology, Kashmir (SKUAST) Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganaie said that over the past couple of months, there has been a dry spell.
He said that during this critical period, irrigation requirements for Saffron couldn’t be met due to the lack of rainfall. “As a result, Saffron cultivation will be severely affected,” he said.
The VC said that SKUAST-Kashmir has implemented certain techniques to mitigate this impact. “We have introduced drip irrigation to conserve water and improve saffron growth. Additionally, the university has developed a new Saffron variety, the world’s first of its kind,” he said, adding that scientists at Saffron Research Station in Dusso area of Pampore have used shade nets above Saffron fields to retain moisture in the soil.
Prof Ganai said that people used to grow saffron with almond trees but unfortunately, the trees were cut down over the past many years which exposed saffron fields to direct sunlight.
He added that they are reintroducing this practice to create shade and maintain moisture in the saffron fields.
After obtaining the GI tag, Kashmir saffron is now recognized as genuine and pure, he said, adding, “Previously, the saffron market prices were around 100 to 150 rupees, but now they can go up to 300 to 400 rupees. We have high hopes that we will be able to meet the challenges posed by changing weather conditions in the future, “ he said, adding that the university has developed new technology to increase saffron production.”
Talking to Kashmir Reader, Director Agriculture Kashmir, Mohammad Iqbal Chowdhury, said farmers informed him that they need irrigation for their Saffron fields.
“We are making efforts to utilize 72 functional bore wells dug by mechanical engineering which have been handed over to the farmers,” He said that it is unfortunate that some farmers have lifted irrigation at certain places and the Agriculture Department couldn’t do much in those locations where the pipes have been missing from the ground.
We have constituted a team to address this issue and they are working on the ground where pipes are available, he said.
“The Chief Agriculture Officer Pulwama and Joint Director Mission have reported that work has started on 22 bore wells,” Iqbal said, adding that their goal is to make every possible effort to ensure that these 72 borewells are made operational for timely irrigation.

BILAL HABIB