Kashmir Imposes Strict Ban on Saffron Corm Exports to Protect Local Industry

Bilal Habib

PAMPORE, Aug 13 – In a significant move to safeguard Kashmir’s prized saffron industry, the Agriculture Department of Kashmir has imposed a comprehensive ban on the export of saffron corms outside the valley. The decision, announced today, comes as a response to growing concerns over illegal trade practices that threatened to undermine the region’s iconic crop.

The ban was instituted following a crucial meeting held at the India International Kashmir Saffron Trading Centre (IIKSTC) in Dusoo, Pampore. Key figures present included Sartaj Ahmad Shah, Joint Director Extension Agriculture Kashmir, and Mohammad Iqbal Khan, Chief Agriculture Officer Pulwama. The meeting also saw participation from District Agriculture Officers from Pulwama, Srinagar, and Budgam, along with representatives from Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and local farmers, led by Abdul Majeed Wani, a prominent saffron grower.
Director of Agriculture Kashmir, Choudhary Mohammad Iqbal, who joined the meeting via video conference, stressed the cultural significance of the crop. “Saffron is our heritage crop,” he stated, underlining the gravity of the situation. He warned of stringent action under the Saffron Act against anyone found exporting saffron corms beyond the valley’s borders.
The decision to impose the ban was not taken lightly. It followed extensive discussions with various stakeholders, including department officials and farmers. The primary concern driving this action is the potential impact on local saffron production if corms continue to be exported in large quantities.
Joint Director Sartaj Ahmad Shah elaborated on the issue, saying, “We are already short of corms, and some vested interests have started trading them outside Kashmir valley. This could severely impact local production.” He emphasized that if the export of corms continues unchecked, it would substantially affect the region’s saffron yield.
The Agriculture Department has outlined a two-pronged approach to address the issue:
Strict Enforcement: Officials have promised stringent action against those found violating the ban. Perpetrators will face consequences under both the Saffron Act of 2007 and the Seed Act of 1966.
Awareness Campaign: A mass awareness drive will be launched to educate farmers and traders about the potential losses they could incur if the illegal trade with outside partners continues.
Additionally, the department is encouraging farmers to consider crop insurance as a safeguard against potential losses.
The ban has been welcomed by local saffron growers. Javaid Ahmad, a saffron farmer present at the meeting, expressed his satisfaction with the decision. “We have worked hard to completely stop the wasteful export of saffron corms, and today it feels like our efforts have paid off,” he said. Ahmad also thanked the agricultural authorities for taking this crucial step.
This move comes after months of struggle by local farmers and agricultural activists who have been pushing for measures to protect Kashmir’s saffron industry. The blanket ban is seen as a significant victory in their ongoing efforts to preserve and promote this valuable crop.
Kashmir’s saffron, known for its distinct aroma and medicinal properties, is considered one of the finest in the world. The Pampore region, often referred to as the “Saffron Town” of Kashmir, is particularly renowned for its high-quality saffron production.
As the ban takes effect, agricultural officials have directed field functionaries to maintain vigilance on corm harvesting activities and ensure that no illegal trading occurs. The success of this initiative will largely depend on the cooperation between farmers, traders, and government officials in the coming months.