Timely Irrigation, Soil Moisture Retention Yield Promising Results; Farmer Urges Restoration of Defunct Borewell
Speaking to Morning Kashmir, Mohammad Sultan Rather attributed the encouraging results primarily to timely irrigation during August and September, along with moisture retention in the soil beneath the apple plants.
“The main reason behind this encouraging crop is that I irrigated the field two to three times during August and September. The high-density apple plants have also helped retain moisture in the soil, which has contributed to better saffron growth and production,” he said.
Recalling the quality of saffron produced in Pampore nearly two decades ago, Rather said the results of his experiment had reminded him of the region’s earlier saffron harvests, strengthening his belief that innovative cultivation methods could help revive the traditional crop.
“Saffron is not merely a cash crop; it is an integral part of Pampore’s heritage and identity. If we want to preserve this legacy for future generations, we must ensure timely irrigation and adopt suitable cultivation practices to improve production,” he said.
Highlighting the challenges faced by saffron growers,Mohammad Sultan said production in the Pampore saffron belt had witnessed a gradual decline over the past 10 to 20 years, with changing climatic conditions and inadequate rainfall emerging as major concerns.
“Earlier, we used to receive adequate rainfall, and saffron production was quite good. However, over the past three decades, we have observed a gradual decline in rainfall due to changing climatic conditions. Since saffron cultivation largely depends on natural rainfall, the shortage of rain has significantly affected production and reduced crop yields,” he said.
Concerned about the declining productivity of the region’s traditional crop, Rather decided to explore the possibility of cultivating saffron in the vacant spaces between high-density apple plants.
“I started this experiment in 2025 because saffron production was declining, and I wanted to explore whether the available space between high-density apple plants could be utilised for saffron cultivation. Although some of my family members were initially hesitant, I decided to undertake the trial to see whether this approach could prove successful,” he told Morning Kashmir.
According to Rather, the results observed in 2026 have been promising, with the crop undergoing two rounds of flower picking so far.
“The crop appears similar to the kind of saffron we used to grow 20 to 25 years ago. The results have strengthened my confidence that saffron cultivation in high-density apple orchards could prove to be a successful initiative,” he said.
Mohammad Sultan Rather emphasised that timely irrigation during August and September plays a crucial role in supporting saffron flowering and improving production. He believes that integrating saffron cultivation with high-density apple farming could help farmers make better use of their land and potentially reduce irrigation requirements.
“Being from an agricultural family, I understand the importance of irrigation in saffron cultivation. Providing adequate moisture during August and September can help improve flowering and production. If this model is adopted successfully in Pampore, it could open new opportunities for farmers,” he said.
He further explained that the moisture retained in the soil beneath apple plants could provide favourable conditions for saffron cultivation and reduce the need for additional irrigation.
“I believe this integrated farming model could reduce irrigation requirements by nearly 50 per cent. The moisture retained in the soil may provide additional benefits for saffron growth and production,” Rather said, adding that further trials would help establish the model’s potential.
He expressed hope that his experiment would encourage other farmers in Pampore to explore integrated saffron cultivation in high-density apple orchards, particularly at a time when growers are searching for practical ways to improve productivity and protect their traditional source of livelihood.
Alongside promoting innovative farming practices, Rather urged the Agriculture Department Kashmir to address persistent irrigation-related issues in the Pampore saffron belt.
He told Morning Kashmir that crores of rupees had been spent on developing irrigation infrastructure under the National Saffron Mission, but inadequate planning and implementation had affected its effectiveness on the ground.
According to Rather, around 120 borewells were installed in the area, but most have become non-functional, depriving saffron growers of an important source of irrigation.
“Had these borewells remained functional, saffron production in Pampore would have been much better. We have witnessed poor production over the past few years, and the lack of adequate irrigation facilities is one of the major concerns faced by farmers,” he said.
He appealed to the concerned authorities to restore the defunct borewells, strengthen irrigation facilities and ensure that the infrastructure developed under the National Saffron Mission serves its intended purpose.
Rather said that a combination of timely irrigation, improved cultivation practices, functional irrigation infrastructure and innovative farming methods could help address the challenges confronting saffron growers.
His experiment in a high-density apple orchard has emerged as an encouraging initiative, highlighting the potential of integrated farming to improve land utilisation while supporting the preservation of Pampore’s centuries-old saffron heritage.
For saffron growers in Pampore, the initiative offers a ray of hope that innovation, coupled with adequate irrigation and institutional support, could help revive the region’s prized crop and safeguard its agricultural identity for future generations.
