KISHTWAR: Deputy Commissioner Dr Devansh Yadav on Sunday unveiled state-of-the-art indoor saffron cultivation technology – the innovative initiative which marks a significant step towards revolutionizing saffron cultivation practices in the region.
The unveiling of indoor saffron cultivation technology reflects the commitment of the Kishtwar administration to promote agricultural innovation and enhance the livelihoods of the saffron farming community by fostering the alternate mode of cultivation.
Pertinent to mention here that the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir has monopoly in the saffron cultivation in India as about 7.3 per cent of world saffron is produced from J&K. In India, 5,707 hectares of land comes under saffron cultivation and out of it 4,496 hectares of land is cultivated in J&K – main cultivation areas of saffron are Kharewa, Chandhora, Kishtwar and Pampore in J&K and Pulwama is commonly known as ‘saffron bowl’ of Kashmir.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Yadav highlighted the potential benefits of Indoor Saffron Cultivation Technology and urged the saffron growers to refrain from engaging in illicit trading and the unauthorized export of saffron corn from the district.
“Such activities pose a significant threat to the district’s saffron cultivation practices as it would also contribute to the depletion of indigenous, high-quality saffron, exacerbating the already existing shortage,” he said.
The DC emphasized the importance of preserving the district’s reputation for producing exceptional saffron, which is crucial for sustaining the livelihoods of local farmers and ensuring the long-term prosperity of the saffron cultivation in Kishtwar.
Under the skill development program, the department of agriculture and farmers welfare, District Kishtwar has realised the project with an estimated cost of Rs 1.35 lakh, under the SANKALP Scheme.
During the event, each of the 9 beneficiary farmers on the occasion, received 25kg of saffron corms, racks, and trays, free of cost.
This support aims to empower local farmers and encourage the adoption of advanced saffron cultivation techniques, addressing the climatic challenges prevalent in the region.
The event also witnessed the presence of chief agriculture officer, Amjad Hussain Malik and DAO, Sanjay Sharma, along with beneficiary farmers who stand to benefit immensely from this technological advancement.
The unveiling of indoor saffron cultivation technology reflects the commitment of the Kishtwar administration to promote agricultural innovation and enhance the livelihoods of the saffron farming community by fostering the alternate mode of cultivation.
Pertinent to mention here that the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir has monopoly in the saffron cultivation in India as about 7.3 per cent of world saffron is produced from J&K. In India, 5,707 hectares of land comes under saffron cultivation and out of it 4,496 hectares of land is cultivated in J&K – main cultivation areas of saffron are Kharewa, Chandhora, Kishtwar and Pampore in J&K and Pulwama is commonly known as ‘saffron bowl’ of Kashmir.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Yadav highlighted the potential benefits of Indoor Saffron Cultivation Technology and urged the saffron growers to refrain from engaging in illicit trading and the unauthorized export of saffron corn from the district.
“Such activities pose a significant threat to the district’s saffron cultivation practices as it would also contribute to the depletion of indigenous, high-quality saffron, exacerbating the already existing shortage,” he said.
The DC emphasized the importance of preserving the district’s reputation for producing exceptional saffron, which is crucial for sustaining the livelihoods of local farmers and ensuring the long-term prosperity of the saffron cultivation in Kishtwar.
Under the skill development program, the department of agriculture and farmers welfare, District Kishtwar has realised the project with an estimated cost of Rs 1.35 lakh, under the SANKALP Scheme.
During the event, each of the 9 beneficiary farmers on the occasion, received 25kg of saffron corms, racks, and trays, free of cost.
This support aims to empower local farmers and encourage the adoption of advanced saffron cultivation techniques, addressing the climatic challenges prevalent in the region.
The event also witnessed the presence of chief agriculture officer, Amjad Hussain Malik and DAO, Sanjay Sharma, along with beneficiary farmers who stand to benefit immensely from this technological advancement.
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