NC legislator Hasnain Masoodi slams Rs 401 crore Saffron Mission, calls for investigation

Jammu, Mar 04: National Conference (NC) senior leader and MLA Pampore Hasnain Masoodi on Tuesday demanded an inquiry into the multi-crore National Saffron Mission.

Raising the issue on the floor of the House, Masoodi expressed concerns over alleged malpractices in the implementation of the Mission.

In 2010, the government introduced the National Saffron Mission to improve saffron productivity in the region. Under the Mission, the authorities introduced drip irrigation system to fight the long drawn out dry spells impacting the yield. However, the initiative remained contentious with saffron cultivators claiming that the authorities left the drip irrigation process half way through.

Supported by CPI(M) legislator Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, Masoodi demanded a comprehensive probe into the RS 401 crore scheme to investigate possible fund misappropriation or project mismanagement.

Speaking to reporters outside the House, Masoodi said that the Mission was aimed at promoting the cultivation of the saffron. “But it is very unfortunate that nothing is visible on the ground”, he said.

Masoodi said the mission had two components—one focused on land rejuvenation and the other on sprinkler irrigation.

“Under the Mission, some 124 borewells were installed, but none of them is functional”, Masoodi said. He said that nothing had been done in terms of the rejuvenation either.

Masoodi said that a sharp decline had been witnessed in the saffron production. “Overall, the Saffron Mission has failed”, he added.

Masoodi said that a Saffron Park was also established to assist farmers and do away with the middlemen. “The facility this year, I think, only received 80 kgs of saffron”, Masoodi said.

He said that he had raised the issue in this backdrop.

Minister for Agricultural Production and Rural Development Department, Javed Ahmad Dar acknowledged the concerns of the legislators and assured the House that the department would look into the matter.

“A departmental inquiry will be initiated if needed,” he said.