Legislators allege malpractices in Rs 401 crore Saffron Mission, demand probe

Jammu, Mar 4: Allegations of malpractice in the Rs 401 crore National Saffron Mission (NSM) rocked the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, with legislators demanding a thorough inquiry into the matter.
National Conference MLA Pampore Hasnain Masoodi, backed by MLA Kulgam Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami, raised concerns over alleged irregularities in the implementation of the ambitious scheme aimed at boosting saffron production in Kashmir. They urged the government to order a probe to ascertain if funds were misused or the project was mishandled.
Responding to the allegations, Agriculture Minister Javed Dar acknowledged the concerns and assured the House that the department was examining the matter. “If needed, a departmental inquiry will be ordered,” he said.
The National Saffron Mission was launched in 2010 by the then UPA government under the leadership of Manmohan Singh to revive saffron cultivation in Kashmir. The multi-crore initiative sought to introduce modern techniques, improve irrigation facilities, and enhance overall saffron yield. However, reports of project failures, mismanagement of funds, and failure to achieve the desired results have raised doubts over its execution. [KNT]