Growers make merry as prices spike
Srinagar, July 8: You heard correctly that Kashmir saffron is more expensive than silver. The Valley’s priciest spice is now writing its own success tale after the J&K government ensured it was GI-tagged.
According to dealers, the cost of saffron from Kashmir increased dramatically from 2 lakh per kg to 3.25 lakh per kg in a single year.
They said 10 gm of Kashmiri saffron now costs Rs 3,250, which is the same as the cost of 47 gramme of silver. The government’s acknowledgement of Kashmiri kesar is one of the primary causes of its quick increase. Last year, the golden crop was given a geographical identity (GI) tag.
Being the only GI-tagged saffron in the world, Kashmiri saffron is noteworthy. Countries like the US, Canada, and Europe are primarily affected by this.
Saffron has a vital role in Indian culture and traditions, appearing on the national flag and being utilised in religious rituals.
The major saffron producers are Iran, India, and Spain, yet this priceless spice is also grown in Greece, Morocco, Italy, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Afghanistan. But the saffron produced in Kashmir, India, stands out for both its superior quality and astronomical cost.
India’s prized Kashmiri saffron is grown in Pampore, a region of snow-capped mountains dubbed the “Saffron capital of India.” More than 20,000 households live in this area, 14 miles from Srinagar and are devoted to growing Kashmiri saffron.
A senior Agriculture department official said that ” Kashmir saffron is the only saffron in the world which is GI tagged which has raised its market value and also ensured its authenticity for buyers.”
GI labelling aids in recognising goods with a particular geographical origin and superior quality to comparable goods made elsewhere in the world. Producers of certain products may readily sell them on national or worldwide markets with the use of GI tags. It is crucial that the attributes, traits, or reputation of the product with the GI mark be primarily attributable to its country of origin.
