Jahangeer Ganaie
Pampore, Feb 19: Two days after touring a bat manufacturing factory in Chersoo, Awantipora, legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar continued his exploration of Kashmir’s local industries by visiting a saffron firm in Lethpora area of Pampore in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
During his visit to Kissan Kesar in Lethpora, Tendulkar interacted with workers and showed keen interest in the saffron production process. Owned by Javid Ahmad, the firm is renowned for its quality saffron and dry fruits.
Javid said Tendulkar’s visit is a dream come true for his firm and the entire saffron industry. “Such visits will boost both saffron production and the region’s tourism sector, which supports the livelihoods of thousands,” he said.
During the visit, the master blaster inquired about the various varieties of dry fruits available at the showroom and showed interest in their health benefits.
“We served him the famous Kashmiri Kehwa and after having it, Sachin Sir admired it,” Ahmad said.
Such high-profile visits, Javid said, send a positive message to the world about the safety and appeal of Kashmir as a tourist destination, which will ultimately attract more visitors and bolster the local economy.
Sachin Tendulkar’s trip to the saffron firm follows his promise to promote Kashmiri bats during his visit to a bat manufacturing unit in Chersoo, where he assured support to those involved in the industry.
Later, he spent two nights in Pahalgam and returned on Monday. He was accompanied by his wife Anjali and daughter Sara.
