Kashmir Digest

Even though the Government has taken steps for making sure that the Kashmiri Saffron reaches places across the world, it has not been so far accepting the fact that there has been a decrease in the production of Saffron, and nor has it been trying to look at the factors that have led to such a scenario, bringing, in a sense, downfall of the once-glorious and thriving subset of the horticulture sector in Kashmir. But gone are the days when scores of people used to be associated with the cultivation of Saffron because today it is all about everything but Saffron.

As per figures, which depict the scenario of how huge reduction the land for Saffron use has witnessed, the area under Saffron production has shrunk from about 5707 hectares to 3715 hectares from 2009-10—it is not only enormous but should also be a matter of great worry for everyone. The numbers point that the sector is witnessing continuous downfall and would leave the policymakers with way too less to bring in their measures if any.

With the decrease in the area under use, it is obvious that the production is also on the lower side. While there are no figures available to support that, it is quite easy to guess that. The concerned department also cannot run away from what it has not been able to do. It couldn’t come up with an irrigation facility for the Saffron fields. Even though they have a plan for that, the same has not seen execution over the years.

More to it, which is even more concerning, is that there has been a rapid conversion of Saffron land for construction purposes—being pushed by the land mafias who operate in the area—making the difference visible, allowing us to see what it was a decade ago and what has become of it now. We better not skip the environmental factors which are affecting the quality of the Saffron: the cement factories. These factories, operating in areas adjacent to saffron fields, are wreaking havoc by destroying the ecology, adding harmful particles to the air, and making it hazardous for one and all.

But what is the way out? No doubt the Government ensured GI tagging of the Saffron, but what about the source of the Saffron which is facing an onslaught from every side? Who is going to take care of that? Any further inaction and we would be looking at Saffron facing extinction: harsh but true. In this direction, therefore, if the Government is serious about saving Saffron, there is a need for fixing the accountability and going a bit tough. There is a need for coming up with a comprehensive and result-oriented plan to check on the land conversion, and pitch more for steps aimed at increasing the production and quality of Saffron. The situation requires focused and innovative measures, too much to ask?