Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Nov 1: Hundreds of tourists have begun flocking to the saffron fields in Pampore as the saffron bloom arrives. The picturesque landscapes, featuring maroon, yellow and purple hues, are drawing visitors to this renowned saffron town in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
“Tourists have started arriving in the fields over the past week, taking countless photos,” Mansoor Ahmad, a local, said. He said recent rains have contributed to the vibrant bloom and that visitor numbers are increasing daily.
Just as tourists capture memories at Dal Lake, Pahalgam and Gulmarg, many are enchanted by the beauty and fragrance of the saffron fields.
Abdul Hameed, another local, said the delightful aroma often encourages visitors to purchase saffron on the spot.
Hitesh, a tourist from Gujarat, said that visiting Kashmir and spending time in the saffron fields was a dream come true. Other visitors called it a rare experience to witness the flowers of the world’s costliest spice.
Local growers said that the saffron fields are currently in bloom and anticipate further flowering in the coming days. They continue to advocate for improved irrigation facilities to enhance crop yields.
Amid the influx of tourists, numerous local youth are seen selling pure saffron directly from the fields.
Mohammad Abbas, a local vendor, said that while tourists express interest in purchasing saffron, the flowers require proper processing, including differentiation and drying. To accommodate tourists, they have prepared pure saffron in advance for easy access.
Abbas is among many educated young people who have turned to selling saffron and have capitalised on the growing interest from visitors to the fields.
