JAMMU, February 18: MLA Pampore and retired Justice Hasnain Masoodi on Friday demanded immediate and concrete steps for the revival of saffron, describing it as the most important cash crop of Jammu and Kashmir and warning that its continued neglect has pushed growers into deep distress.
Participating in the discussion on Demands for Grants for Agriculture and other departments in the Legislative Assembly, Masoodi strongly contradicted the government’s claim that saffron production had crossed 19,000 kilograms in 2025. He asserted that actual production had fallen to an all-time low of around 1,000 kilograms, leading to an estimated loss of nearly ₹500 crore for saffron growers and traders associated with the sector.
Masoodi also expressed grave concern over the rising incidence of cancer in Kashmir and linked it to the excessive and unregulated use of chemical fertilizers, fungicides and insecticides in agriculture. He cautioned that indiscriminate pesticide use contaminates groundwater and poses a serious public health risk. Stressing the need for a long-term policy shift, he urged the government to promote organic and sustainable farming practices to protect both agricultural output and public health.
The MLA also pressed for the establishment of a Fruit and Vegetable Mandi in the constituency and called for setting up a Veterinary Hospital along with extension centres at Tirach, Dougham and Khrew to strengthen the rural economy and provide better support to farmers and livestock rearers.
