Despite weather uncertainties in Kashmir, saffron crop sees over 15 percent increase

As the saffron harvesting season draws to a close in Pampore and surrounding areas, farmers in Kashmir's saffron belt have reported a relative improvement in production this year. According to a BusinessLine report, this has brought relief to farmers following last year's extremely poor crop. Harvesting of this precious spice, grown in the uplands of Pampore in south Kashmir and parts of Budgam district, began about two weeks ago. Farmers stated that they have registered an increase in the crop compared to the previous season, although erratic weather patterns continue to pose challenges for the crop.

Irshad Ahmad, a saffron farmer from Gutlibagh, Pampore, stated that the crop has increased by over 15 percent compared to last year. Ahmad noted that despite unpredictable weather conditions, a notable improvement in saffron production was seen this year, providing some relief to farmers who have been struggling with declining yields for the past few years.

This improvement comes after last year's extremely poor crop, when farmers reported that production had dropped to about five percent of normal output. This sharp decline had raised concerns regarding the future of saffron cultivation in Kashmir, which accounts for nearly 97 percent of India's total saffron production.

Another saffron farmer, Ali Mohammad, stated that due to climate change over the past several years, production has seen a sharp decline. This year too, the crop faced weather-related uncertainties. Low snowfall in January followed by a prolonged dry spell until the first two weeks of August and September caused anxiety among farmers. They feared that due to the lack of soil moisture, plant growth and corm development might be affected.

However, light rainfall during the third week of September raised hopes among farmers that receiving some moisture ahead of the flowering and harvesting season could still salvage the crop. Saffron cultivation is extremely sensitive to climatic conditions, with timely rainfall and adequate soil moisture playing a crucial role in determining output.

Farmers have repeatedly expressed concern over changing weather patterns, particularly insufficient snowfall and temperature fluctuations, which affect crop growth and the flowering cycle. The improvement witnessed this year has given farmers some hope of recovery after successive seasons of uncertainty.

Farmers stated that the increase in production is encouraging, but cautioned that a single relatively good season is not enough to address the long-term challenges facing the sector. Saffron cultivation remains an important source of livelihood for approximately 20,000 to 25,000 families in Kashmir, particularly in Pampore and surrounding areas.

According to Wikipedia background data, Kashmir is known worldwide for its high-quality saffron, and Pampore is also known as the 'saffron town' of Kashmir.