SRINAGAR: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Departments, Javid Ahmed Dar, today chaired a high-level meeting at Civil Secretariat here to review and deliberate upon issues confronting saffron cultivation in Kashmir valley.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture Production Department, Shailendra Kumar; Director Agriculture Kashmir, Sartaj Ahmad Shah; Chief Engineer, Mechanical and Hospital Engineering Department, Kashmir, Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir, Chief Warden, Wildlife Department, Kashmir, Director Horticulture Kashmir, Director Horticulture (P&M), Director Research SKUAST-K, Chief Agriculture Officer Pulwama, and representatives of the Saffron Growers Association.
Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Basharat Qayoom, also attended the meeting through video conferencing.
During the meeting, threadbare discussions were held on key issues including mitigation strategies to tackle climate-induced stresses, measures for assured irrigation facilities, availability of quality saffron corms, and management of wild animal attacks affecting saffron fields.
Speaking during the meeting, Javid Dar reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to safeguard and promote Kashmir’s world-famous saffron crop. He termed saffron as ‘golden heritage of Kashmir’s agriculture’ and assured that full support will be extended to growers for improving productivity, quality, and market linkage.
“Our saffron is not just a crop but a global brand of Kashmir’s identity. The Government is committed to its protection, promotion, and prosperity,” the Minister stated.
He directed the concerned officers to ensure that every saffron farmer is well informed about various departmental schemes and programmes, and field-level officers proactively assist growers in availing the benefits of these initiatives.
Additional Chief Secretary, Shailendra Kumar, during the meeting, emphasized on the need to enhance both area and quality of saffron cultivation, adding that the government is providing substantial subsidies under irrigation and related schemes to support saffron growers.
During the meeting, the Minister was informed about ongoing measures to curb illegal soil extraction from saffron fields and prevent conversion of fertile saffron land for non-agricultural purposes.