Srinagar :Director Agriculture Kashmir, Sartaj Ahmad Shah, Wednesday visited Pampore to review saffron expansion activities being carried out under the Jammu and Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement Project (JKCIP).
During the visit, the Director inspected saffron expansion fields in Munpora, Meej, Konibal and Dusoo areas of Pampore. The inspection focused on assessing field development, reviewing the implementation of project interventions and evaluating the condition of newly established saffron plantations.
The visit enabled the Agriculture Department to assess the progress and effectiveness of ongoing initiatives, identify challenges faced by farmers and field-level implementing agencies, and review measures to ensure the timely and efficient achievement of project objectives.
He also reviewed the adoption of recommended cultivation practices; the availability of essential inputs and the support being provided to saffron growers under JKCIP. The assessment is expected to help identify further measures to strengthen saffron production, enhance productivity and promote the sustainable development of Kashmir’s traditional saffron sector.
While interacting with the saffron growers Director Agriculture stressed on the joint efforts needed for the revival and preservation of internationally recognised this heritage crop.
Later, the Director visited India International Kashmir Saffron Trading Centre (IIKSTC) at Dusoo, Pampore and reviewed the activities being undertaken at the centre. He interacted with the concerned officers and took stock of the facilities being made available to the saffron growers at the centre, including saffron processing, grading, packaging and e- auctioning, with a focus on strengthening marketing channels and ensuring better returns for saffron growers.
