Saffron Growers Begin Harvest Amid Fears of Declining Production

As saffron growers in the Pampore area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district begin harvesting the world-famous spice, concerns are mounting over dwindling production despite timely rainfall this year.

- Agencies

Growers fear that if immediate steps are not taken, saffron cultivation in the region — known as the “saffron town of Kashmir” — may vanish completely within the next few years.

Growers said that production had fallen drastically last season, with only 30 to 40 per cent yield compared to normal years.

They attributed this decline to multiple factors, including changing weather patterns, lack of irrigation facilities, land conversion, and the unavailability of healthy saffron corms.

Abdul Ashiq Hussain, a saffron grower from Pampore, said that although rainfall arrived on time this season, it failed to significantly improve crop output.

“Last year, the saffron corm didn't grow properly due to a prolonged heatwave, and this year, despite rains, the plants didn’t recover as there was a prolonged dry spell this year as well. The situation is worsening each year,” he said.