Production and Productivity of Saffron in Jammu and Kashmir

Saffron cultivation confined to a limited geographical area in the State of Jammu and Kashmir is under stress reportedly due to cement dust pollution and land use changes. Besides, having tremendous medicinal values, Saffron has traditionally been associated with the famous Kashmiri cuisine and undoubtedly represents the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir. However, Saffron production is currently suffering on several counts; falling productivity and unscientific post-harvest management are the major concerns. Some other factors that are responsible for the decline of saffron industry in Kashmir are, lack of availability of good-quality corms as seed material, poor soil fertility, lack of assured irrigation, infestation by rodents and diseases, poor post-harvest management, improper marketing facilities and increased urbanization on saffron lands. This legendary crop is under threat of extinction and warrants collective attention of researchers, farmers and policy makers. As far as the economics of this crop is concerned, creation of the strong market demand is the biggest opportunity for its revival and needs a consortium of traders and producers to be established at the International level for market assurance and price stability. While the scientific aspect demands more work on genetic improvement and post-harvest technologies. Ajaz Ahmad Dass | Dr. Sneha v. Deshpande"Production and Productivity of Saffron in Jammu and Kashmir" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-2 | Issue-1 , December 2017, URL: http://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd7040.pdf http://www.ijtsrd.com/economics/market-economy/7040/production-and-productivity-of-saffron-in-jammu-and-kashmir/ajaz-ahmad-dass