Srinagar: Director Agriculture Kashmir Sartaj Ahmad Shah on Wednesday reviewed saffron expansion activities under the Jammu and Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement Project (JKCIP) in Pampore, assessing field development, cultivation practices and support being provided to growers.
During the visit, Shah inspected saffron expansion fields in Munpora, Meej, Konibal and Dusoo to assess the condition of newly established plantations and the implementation of project interventions.
The inspection also focused on the adoption of recommended cultivation practices, availability of essential agricultural inputs and challenges faced by farmers and field-level implementing agencies.
The assessment was aimed at identifying measures to ensure timely implementation of the project, improve saffron productivity and support the sustainable development of Kashmir’s traditional saffron sector.
Interacting with growers, Shah stressed the need for coordinated efforts to revive and preserve the region’s internationally recognised saffron crop.
He later visited the India International Kashmir Saffron Trading Centre (IIKSTC) at Dusoo, Pampore, where he reviewed its functioning and the facilities available to growers.
The review covered saffron processing, grading, packaging and electronic auctioning facilities, with a focus on strengthening marketing channels and helping growers secure better returns for their produce.
