Global warming jeopardizes Kashmir's saffron legacy and farmers' livelihoods

Sep 21, 2024

Pampore (J&K), September 21, (ANI):Kashmir's iconic saffron cultivation is under serious threat due to the impacts of global warming, putting both the livelihoods of local farmers and the region's cultural heritage at risk. Rising temperatures, erratic weather patterns, and reduced snowfall have disrupted the delicate ecosystem necessary for saffron farming, leading to declining yields. Saffron production in Kashmir once reached nearly 17 tons annually but has now stabilized at around 15 tons. The Advanced Research Centre for Saffron and Seed Spices in Pampore, Jammu and Kashmir, is actively working on new technologies to support farmers and increase production. Saffron is typically sown in late July, with flowers blooming between October 10 and 15, and harvesting taking place by mid-November. Once planted, the crop can yield produce for four to five years, providing a reliable source of income for farmers. The Indian government has established a Saffron Park in Pampore, which became operational in 2020, providing over 500 farmers with facilities for testing, drying, and marketing their saffron, along with Geographical Indication (GI) tagging to ensure authenticity. Kashmiri saffron, regarded as the world’s best, is prized for its superior quality and commands high prices—up to Rs 2.50 lakh per kilogram within the Saffron Park. But climate change continues to pose a significant challenge, with untimely rainfall leading to reduced yields in recent years. Saffron farming has been a part of Kashmiri heritage since the 5th century B.C., deeply tied to the region's cuisine, medicine, and cultural traditions. As global warming accelerates, the future of this ancient crop is increasingly uncertain, and local farmers are calling for urgent action to protect both their livelihoods and Kashmir's saffron legacy. The battle to preserve saffron farming reflects the larger fight against climate change, with the people of Kashmir standing at the forefront of this global challenge.