WE THE PEOPLE
Saffron Facing Multi-Dimensional Threats, Likely To Disapper From Kashmir Valley
Hence People urge Govt., to take corrective steps to save this valuable spice from extinction
By: Mirror News Service
Srinagar: Kashmir is known for growing the most rare and costliest spices all over the world. Saffron certainly tops the list. As the Valley of Kashmir is among the only three places on planet earth growing this rare spice. Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of the saffron crocus (Crocus sativus), a species of crocus in the Iridaceae. Saffron is extensively used in cooking as a seasoning and coloring agent. Saffron, the world's most expensive spice by weight is native to Southwest Asia Saffron fields. .A carotenoid dye, crocin, allows saffron to impart a rich golden-yellow hue to dishes and textiles. Saffron has further medicinal applications.
The rich aroma of saffron marks all celebrations in Kashmir, as the Saffron Kahwa; a customary beverage is a must on such occasions. No festivity is considered complete without it.
But, for the past several years this spice has been fast vanishing on account of selfish attitude of masses, adverse climatic conditions and government apathy.
When our correspondent visited Pampore, (a hub of saffron production) a few days back, the constructions in saffron growing areas and adverse impact of cement plants on saffron production was evident before his eyes.
One could aptly see constructions growing at a fast pace in different areas of Pampore like Konibal and impact of cement factories on saffron productivity in Khrew area.
Pertinently, in Kashmir too, it is only the karevas of Pampore and the Kishtwar valley in Jammu province that is gifted with the rare spice.
As result of these grim veracities, prices of saffron have sky rocketed. A tola of saffron that used to cost between 300-500 rupees a few years back, costs now around 1500-1800.
During the last cultivation season, the area received scanty rains causing sharp reduction in saffron yield. Traders said that the production of saffron in Kashmir during the preceding season was around 6000 kg, but last year not even half of it was reaped. There has been jagged fall in saffron production in Iran also, another major saffron producer in the world, due to draught.
This has doubled saffron prices in the international markets and the saffron cultivators and traders in Kashmir are pinning hope that that this price rise would at least compensate their losses to some extent..
Gulzar Ahmad, a saffron grower said, "we are fast losing our valuable spice of saffron. Government has failed in preserving saffron land, as large chunk of saffron land has been used for construction purposes. Pampore town once looked like a purple bed, the air thick with its fragrance, but now it is a jungle of settlements, thanks to our lethargic system and growing greed of masses".
Mujeeb Mir, a saffron dealer said, "The magnificently blue colored saffron flowers are prized cash-crop of Kashmir. Being one of the world's costliest spices, saffron is used both in cooking and for producing cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. It pains me to point out that the Government has taken no concrete step to save saffron which is not just a spice, but one of the most valuable products of our nation. A series of strong steps and actions should be carried out against those who are turning saffron fields a jungle of construction".
It is worth mentioning that the vast saffron fields remain dormant until mid-October when the bulbs germinate underneath the dry earth sprouting green shoots winters approaching,
Even commoners are dumbfounded on fast declining saffron field and production. Mudasir Ahmad, a commoner said," saffron is our national spice. We need to wake up from slumber and preserve this great spice. But on ground zero, both masses as well as Government have taken no concrete step to save saffron which is not just a spice, but one of the most valuable products of our nation".
Sane voices point out that Government has failed in preserving saffron land, as large chunk of saffron land has been used for construction purposes. It is further pointed out that major decline in production can be attributed to the decrease in the area under Saffron cultivation and lack of irrigation facilities, as experts say farmers are not employing the best cultivation practices.
Apart from Kashmir, saffron is grown mostly in Iran and Spain. Actually, Saffron originated in Iran. Highly prized as one of the best natural food flavor and coloring substance, it also has medicinal properties. While Iran accounts for about 70 per cent of total world production, the quality of the Kashmir Saffron is considered the best.
Keeping in view the above mentioned importance of Saffron to our local economy, valleyites are urging on government and people of saffron growing areas to take immediate corrective steps to save this valuable spice from extinction as it is an important symbol of our national identity.
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