Dry spell hits Kashmir's purple gold

Srinagar, Nov 10: Kashmir’s world-renowned saffron industry is facing a severe crisis.

Production has plummeted due to a prolonged dry spell this season, dealing a significant blow to the Valley's agricultural heritage.

The dramatic decline comes amid soaring national and international demand for the premium spice, creating a challenging situation for both farmers and buyers.

Abdul Majid Wani, Chairman of the Saffron Association of Kashmir, stated an unprecedented drop of nearly 40 percent in production compared to last year. "There's tremendous demand for Kashmir saffron from buyers across the country and abroad," Wani explains, highlighting the paradox of increasing demand against declining yields.

“However due to the dry spell our production is less which means we won’t be able to meet the demand in the market," Wani said.

The primary culprit behind the production decline is the prolonged dry spell, particularly the scanty rainfall during the crucial months of September and October. This climate-related challenge is compounded by a 14-year-old infrastructural failure: numerous bore wells constructed under the National Saffron Mission remain non-operational, leaving farmers without crucial irrigation facilities, according to growers.

Muhammad Yusuf Ganie, a saffron farmer from Pampore, describes the stark reality: "The production is significantly less compared to last year because of the dry spell. The government had dug bore wells around 14 years ago, but they were never made functional."

This sentiment is echoed by other farmers who view the dormant bore wells as symbols of unfulfilled promises.

The crisis extends beyond immediate production concerns. Mohammad Ismail, whose family has cultivated saffron for generations, observes a troubling trend. "Youth are turning away from saffron farming because it is becoming less productive," he notes, pointing to the growing disillusionment among younger generations.

Lamenting the low returns due to diminished production, Muhammad Ashraf Ganaie, another experienced farmer, describes the physical demands of the trade: “Hoeing saffron beds in the scorching sun is a daunting task. The combination of harsh working conditions and declining yields threatens the future of this heritage crop.”