Farmers, officials collaborate for enhanced marketing strategies

Pampore: In a significant gathering, Joint Director Extension Agriculture Kashmir G. M. Dhobi held a meeting with representatives of Saffron farmers at the Indian International Kashmir Saffron Trade Centre (IIKSTC) Dusoo Pampore in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Wednesday. The meeting was attended by District Agriculture Extension Officer Shahnawaz Hussain Shah, Dr. Khursheed, and other officials, besides a number of farmers led by Saffron Association head Abdul Majeed Wani and Javaid Ahmad.
During the meeting, various issues of the current year’s Saffron crop rates, base price, and the procurement and sale of GI-tagged Kashmiri Saffron were discussed. The meeting served as a platform for farmers to address pertinent issues, with discussions encompassing various aspects of Saffron cultivation and trade.
Saffron farmers also raised parcopine issues, challenges faced by the Saffron farming community. The meeting resulted in an agreement, and a WhatsApp group was established to update farmers on E-marketing rates. Farmers expressed their concerns, emphasizing the need for solutions.
Speaking to Kashmir Reader, Javaid Ahmad, a progressive farmer, said, “Today, we had a meeting at IIKSTC Dusoo Pampore with the Joint Director of Extension Agriculture Kashmir, other officers were also present, and 30 to 40 farmers attended the meeting. During the meeting, farmers discussed numerous issues related to Saffron E-marketing.”
He added that initiatives for marketing and future plans regarding the ongoing GI-tagged Saffron process at IIKSTC were discussed. The farmers provided their viewpoints, and there was a detailed discussion about determining the basic price for the next year.
The Joint Director of Extension Agriculture Kashmir provided guidance on how to proceed, emphasizing the need to stay connected with farmers in terms of marketing. He suggested creating a WhatsApp group for farmers who have brought Saffron to IIKSTC, fostering collaboration and taking necessary steps to advance marketing efforts.
Speaking to Kashmir Reader, Joint Director Extension Agriculture Kashmir, G. M. Dhobi, said, “Today, following the directions of Director Agriculture Kashmir, Chowdhury Mohammad Iqbal, a meeting was held at IIKSTC Dusoo with the administrator. Several progressive farmers involved in Saffron farming were also invited, and the meeting aimed to address specific issues raised by these farmers, which were duly listened to and noted.”
He explained that the department’s viewpoint was presented, aiming to clarify any issues and ensure transparency. They assured farmers that their concerns would be conveyed to Director Agriculture Kashmir and escalated to the offices of the Principal Secretary and Chief Secretary, focusing on addressing any infrastructure deficiencies.
Further, he emphasized the need to address these matters and effectively handle farmers’ grievances, which sometimes persist with the agriculture department. The meeting provided a platform to listen to their concerns, and the department’s perspective was also shared.
He stated that since the establishment of the Indian International Kashmir Saffron Trade Centre, Saffron farmers faced a significant challenge due to adulteration with Kashmiri Saffron. However, with the acquisition of the GI tag, this issue has been resolved.
Regarding marketing challenges, discussions included setting the minimum price for GI-tagged Saffron in the market, establishing it at two lakh rupees per kilogram for the current year. Other marketing-related issues were also highlighted, requiring attention.
Joint Director Extension, G. M. Dhobi, further mentioned that farmers raised the issue of the National Highway, suggesting that several suitable points along it could serve as sale points for GI-tagged Saffron. He mentioned that if the district administration takes over the issue and identifies lands for establishing sale points, farmers have voluntarily expressed their willingness to contribute their land. Rates for such land use will be applied to ensure that they do not incur any losses, facilitating progress in these matters.
An agreement was reached between the farmers and officials, and a WhatsApp group was established to keep farmers informed about the daily E-marketing rates. The meeting was highly productive, with clear instructions given, and records will be forwarded to the Director Agriculture Kashmir’s office for further action.

BILAL HABIB