Pampore: On Monday, the Agriculture Department team swiftly responded to reports of porcupines damaging several kanals of Saffron land in Konibal Village, Pampore. Acting on the directives of District Agriculture Extension Officer Pulwama, Shahnawaz Hussain Shah, a team led by Agriculture Extension Officer Pampore, Ishtiyaq Ahmad Bhat, visited the affected Saffron fields.
During the visit, officials from the Agriculture Department interacted with farmers to assess the extent of damage to Saffron corms caused by porcupines. On-site inspections revealed significant harm to the Saffron fields in Konibal village.
In response to the damage, the Agriculture Department is considering various solutions, including the use of Herboliv Animal Repellent and coordination with wildlife officials. The use of Herboliv Animal Repellent has shown effectiveness in repelling porcupines, and the department aims to guide farmers on its proper application to minimize or eliminate further attacks.
The issue of porcupine damage to Saffron fields was brought to light by Kashmir Reader two days ago, highlighting the extensive damage faced by farmers in Konibal Village. Farmers reported that porcupines were attacking Saffron fields during night hours, posing a significant threat to their crops.
Farmers had previously raised the issue during the Zaffran festival last month at IIKSTC Dusoo Pampore, urging higher officials to take measures to protect their Saffron corms.
Agriculture Extension Officer Pampore, Ishtiyaq Ahmad Bhat, acknowledged the genuine concerns of the farmers and stated that the department had taken immediate action upon learning about the damage. He emphasized the importance of using Herboliv Animal Repellent to deter porcupines and shared on-the-spot guidance with farmers during the visit.
The Agriculture Department plans to collaborate with the wildlife department to explore options such as caging or relocating porcupines to minimize the threat to Saffron fields. The ongoing efforts aim to find effective and sustainable solutions to safeguard the Saffron crops in the Konibal village of Pampore.

BILAL HABIB