Farmers adopting latest technology for cultivation of Saffron crop

           Srinagar, October 25 (Scoop News)-  Minister for Agriculture  Ghulam Hassan Mir today called upon Saffron growers of State to adopt intensive production technology in Saffron to bring back pristine glory of this heritage industry of J&K.

            The Minister was addressing the Saffron growers on a “Saffron Day” cum 3 days training programme on intensive production technology in Saffron organized by Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture (CITH) at Rangreth here this morning. 

            The Minister said that the research scientist of SKUAST-K, CITH and Agriculture department are working day and night for enhancing quality production of Saffron and its marketing . He said that under National Mission of Saffron, the government is providing various incentives and subsidies to the farmers for adopting latest technology for cultivation and mechanization of Saffron crop. He called upon the growers to avail the benefits of the mission as it is the main objective of the programme.

            Asking the growers for cooperation, the Minister stressed them to take lead in regeneration of Saffron corms in their fields as per the guideline of the mission, which is pivotal for increasing the quality production of Saffron. He said “if Iranian and Spain farmers have been succeeded in producing 7 to 12 kgs Saffron per hectare, why not Kashmiri farmers”.

            The Minister directed Director Agriculture, Kashmir to transform the technology adopted by CITH for enhancing Saffron production from 2.5 kgs to 7 Kg in their demonstration fields henceforth so that it can be transformed to the farmers after trial in Agriculture farms. He said that we have to work seriously in providing irrigation facilities to the growers as it is necessary for enhancing its production. He said under the mission about 115 bore wells are being provided to the growers for which tendering process has already been completed.

            Referring the marketing facilities for growers, the Minister said that a Spice Park are being set up at Galander Pampore under the mission. He said the park would provide online National and International market facilities to the growers at their doorsteps besides provide quality control facilities to them.  

            Vice Chancellor Islamic University of Science and Technology Awantipora Prof. A.R.Trag, threw the light on the efforts of the research scientist of SKUAST and extension department for producing quality production of Saffron. Director CITH Prof. Nazir Ahmed highlighted the research of the institute to produce its quality production.

            Director Agriculture Kashmir Dr. Farooq Ahmed Lone gave a detailed resume of implementation of National Saffron Mission and said that under the mission 347 hectares have been covered under regeneration programme and next year the target is 2000 hectares for which 75 percent expenditure is incurred under the project. He said under the mission 50 percent are being provided for purchase of weeders and hot Dryers  for Saffron growers besides bore wells are also being provided to the growers for drip irrigation facilities. He asked the Saffron growers to take the benefit of these schemes which are specially meant for growers.

            Director Agriculture Jammu,  Ajay Khujaria and Deputy Commissioner Budgam,  Mohammad Rafi also spoke on the occasion.