Saffron Crisis Deepens as Production Plummets

Kashmir’s famous saffron sector is facing one of its toughest years in recent memory, with production dropping drastically to nearly 5-10 percent of the usual yield.

- Observer News Service

As a result, saffron prices in the market have surged by around 20 percent, and traders fear the rates may climb even further in the coming weeks.

Growers and traders, who spoke to KNO attributed the crisis to prolonged dry spells, erratic weather patterns, and shrinking traditional saffron fields—factors that have collectively dealt a heavy blow to this centuries-old industry.