SRINAGAR: The Director of Agriculture Kashmir, Chowdhury Mohammad Iqbal, Today visited saffron areas of Pampore and took stock of the crop scenario.
He inspected different fields and took feedback from the concerned saffron growers.
While having an exchange of thoughts with the farmers, the Director of Agriculture underlined the efforts by the department to strengthen irrigation facilities in the saffron areas of Pampore.
Director of Agriculture said that the department is working for area expansion under the saffron crops and different stakeholders are on board in this endeavour. He said that the department has identified saffron farmers (nurseries) for saffron corm multiplication so that the seed could be provided to more and more farmers and the crop could be introduced in newer areas.
He said that over the years saffron farmers are now adopting modern practices, and technologies in the field of saffron cultivation. He said the role of the India International Saffron Trade Centre (IIKSTC) has been commendable not only in providing different mandatory services but also in the capacity building of the saffron growers.
He said after getting the G.I tag there is vast potential in the saffron crop and in coming times it would play a vital role in the socio-economic transformation of the farming community of the area in particular and agricultural Economy of the region in general.
The director said under HADP a special project is under implementation for the promotion of saffron crops.
The director of Agriculture assured the saffron farmers of all the possible technical support. He directed the concerned officers to work in close coordination with farmers and guide them during all the pre and post-harvesting operations.
