SRINAGAR: SKUAST-Kashmir feels proud and happy on getting Geographical Indication Tag for Kashmir Saffron issued under Geographical Indication No 635 and certificate No 366 dated Ist May, 2020.The GI Tag will definitely facilitate market promotion of Kashmir saffron both at National and International Level and shall prove a check to all sorts of adulterations including blending of saffron from other denomination sources.
SKUAST-Kashmir was vested with the responsibility of drafting of GI application based on scientific justifications conferring a unique status to Kashmir Saffron. In this pursuit, FAO’s, recognition to Kashmir Saffron as “Globally Important Agriculture Heritage System (GIAHS)” justified by SKUAST-Kashmir conferred heritage status to Kashmir saffron that became an important parameter in GI application. Under typical temperate agro-ecological conditions favouring unique flower development, specifications, description, Proof of origin, methods of production, industrial uses & medicinal uses, novel pragmatic research findings of SKUAST-Kashmir on saffron Karyogram, DNA Barcoding, DNA fingerprinting, Biochemical profile, NCBI Published sequences, floral biology, plant phenology, morphological descriptors, production and post harvest system modules published in refereed Journals gave strength to the GI application by way of confering Uniqueness of Kashmir Saffron.
Prof. Nazeer Ahmed Vice Chancellor SKUAST-Kashmir complimented Scientists of SKUAST-K especially Dr F.A. Nehvi and scientists and staff of Saffron Research Station, Dussu, Konibal and Directorate of Agriculture (Kashmir) who played a pivotal role in achieving this mega success.