Srinagar, Aug 02: The decline in saffron production in South Kashmir’s Pampore area has forced many farmers to switch other crops to get better results.
The production of Kashmiri saffron has declined around 50% over the past two decades from 18 metric tonnes to around 12 metric tonnes.
Many farmers in Pampore have planted saplings of apple, almonds, nuts and other crops. They say they expect better returns than saffron in the coming years.
Mohammad Sultan has planted apple, nut trees and vegetables on his six-kanals of land in Pampore. “Fifteen years ago, we would cultivate two kilogram of saffron which reduced to 800 grams. Six-years-ago we started other crops including apples on this land. At least we earn better than saffron through other crops,” Sultan said.
He said people were forced to sell saffron land due to decline in production.
Bashir Ahmad, a 55-year-old farmer of Pampore said he would cultivate saffron on eight kanals of land two decades ago. Each year his family would earn around Rs 1.80 to Rs 2 lakh from 2 kilogram of saffron production.
Then worries began for them when saffron production started to decline. Eight years before, he switched to other crops and planted apples, almonds, saplings, besides started cultivating vegetables like potato and peas.
“Four kanals of land which is under apple cultivation have started yielding results for the last two years. Last year, I sold apples for Rs 80,000 and this year it went up to Rs 1,30,000. In initial years after planting apple trees, the production remains low then increases with each year. At least apple trees are giving me better returns than saffron,” he said.
He believes that dwindling produce and the low market rates were reasons for his switch-over to other crops.
Saffron flowers are sensitive to vagaries of the weather. Its production depends on the weather conditions and the irrigation facilities.
The Kashmiri saffron is considered the best in the world due to its flavor, colour and aroma.
Three-to-four kanals of land produce one kilogram of saffron. Each kilogram of saffron costs Rs 1.60 to Rs 2.20 lakh depending upon the quality and demand from the consumers.
In Kashmir, three districts – Pulwama, Budgam, and Srinagar grow saffron. Among them, Pulwama district’s Pampore has earned the title of Kashmir’s ‘saffron town’ for growing the highest and best quality saffron.
The soil quality in this area is highly suitable for its cultivation.
As low yield has become a deterrent for farmers, hundreds of saffron growers have started cultivating other crops to get better returns.
Farmers say that change in climate and poor irrigation facilities led to decline in saffron production.
More than 16,000 families are associated with saffron production in Pampore. A decade ago, farmers say their number was more than 22,000.
The area under saffron cultivation in Kashmir as per official figures has shrunk from around 5,707 hectares in 1996 to 3200 hectares.
An official of Agriculture Department Kashmir said the saffron land has shrunk over the years due to constructions and switching of farmers to other crops.
