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08 HERITAGE messenger
June 26 to July 2 : Weekly News Magazine

the fading Gold : Safron

Kashir Saffron, an important cash crop, has a strong and cultivators also urge for a board that would check
aroma and colour compared to its varieties grown adulteration, regulate prices, and look into grievances. Though
elsewhere. Its stigmas are long, thick-headed and deep some research has been carried out by government run
red in colour and thereby preferred by consumers research institutions on saffron, there is dire need for full-fledged
worldover. Unfortunately this prized herb has been research cells exclusively for saffron cultivation. There should
witnessing a steep fall over the past few years. also be appropriate research conducted through the business
administration departments for boosting sales.
One Kanal of irrigable land that would yield more than half a
kilogram of saffron a few years ago now yields 100 gm. The Pollution: Pollution caused by harmful emissions from cement
prices of saffron have also sky-rocketed this year with one manufacturing units and stone crushers in areas close to the
kilogram being sold at 2.5 lakh rupees, ultimately telling upon its saffron belts are contributing to the decline in production.
demand. Reasons for the downfall of saffron are many.
Construction on saffron land: A large chunk of arable saffron land
Adulteration by tradesmen: Adulteration has led not only to the has been taken up for construction purposes. A bird’s eye view of
falling prices, but has also cost Kashmir saffron its reputation. the saffron cultivated land in Kashmir regions is blotched by
Inferior and cheap Iranian saffron is mixed with genuine patches of concrete. There is immense need to exercise a
Kashmiri saffron both by traders and growers, eventually blanket ban on sale and purchase of such land. Grading and
damaging the demand. certification and fund scarcity: Besides, the saffron trade lacks
grading Facilities and Central Testing and Certification facility.
Lack of proper irrigation: According to experts, scanty snowfall Certain projects in the pipeline stand non-executed due to
and rainfall is the major cause of saffron yield decline. Lesser shortage of funds for saffron cultivation, such as the fountain
rain and snow, over the years, has resulted in the drying up of irrigation project.
various streams and other water bodies in the area.
There is also need to provide loans to the farmers for
Government apathy: Government is yet to introduce any
innovative methods and technologies to boost saffron procurement of irrigation tanks and small tractors. It is high
production. No guidance or facilities are provided to farmers time that the authorities as well as the people who value
while growers still employ age old inherited practises. Traders economic sustenance wake up to the truth.