Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Jan 21: Kashmir’s world-famous saffron, often hailed as “red gold”, is witnessing an unprecedented surge in prices this season as production has plunged to an all-time low, triggering serious concerns among growers, traders, and consumers alike.
According to farmers and market traders, saffron production during the last season declined drastically to merely 5–10 per cent of an average year’s yield, resulting in a sharp rise in market prices. They said the steep fall in output has pushed saffron rates up by 40 to 50 per cent compared to last year, with fears that prices may escalate further in the coming months.
In local markets across the Valley, one gram of saffron that was sold at around Rs 200 last year is now fetching Rs 250 to Rs 350, depending on quality and grade, according to traders. They attribute the surge to extremely low availability, saying that the supply crunch has affected both domestic and outside markets.
“The supply is very limited this year. Whatever little produce came to the market has been quickly absorbed, and prices are likely to rise further if the situation remains unchanged,” a trader said.
Growers have blamed the sharp decline in production on a combination of prolonged dry spells, erratic weather patterns, and the continuous shrinking of traditional saffron land due to urbanisation and land conversion.
They said the ongoing dry winter has further compounded their worries, as saffron cultivation is heavily dependent on timely moisture for healthy corm development. “This winter has remained largely dry so far. Without adequate rainfall or irrigation facilities, the impact will be felt in the next season as well,” growers said, warning of another poor harvest if conditions persist.
Mohammad Ayoub, a saffron grower from Pampore—Kashmir’s saffron hub—said the previous season was among the worst he has witnessed in decades.
“We have never seen production fall to this extent. Most farmers harvested only a few grams last year. The continued dry conditions are damaging the corms, which directly affects future production. If this trend continues, many growers will be forced to abandon saffron cultivation altogether,” he said.
Echoing similar concerns, Gh Rasool, another grower from Lethpora, said the poor yield has pushed many saffron-dependent families into financial distress.
“Saffron is our primary source of livelihood. With production limited to just 5–10 per cent, managing household expenses has become extremely difficult. If the government does not intervene immediately, this crop may disappear from Kashmir,” he warned.
Traders said the impact of low production is being felt not only in Kashmir but also in markets outside the Valley.
Ali Mohammad Ganaie, a saffron trader from south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, said prices have surged sharply within a short period.
“Prices have increased by nearly 50 per cent compared to last year and may go up further due to limited supply. Both local buyers and traders from outside Kashmir are bearing the brunt of low production,” he said.
Another trader, Ashiq Rather, cautioned that the continued decline in local output could have long-term consequences for Kashmir’s dominance in the global saffron market.
“Demand for Kashmiri saffron remains strong, but supply is critically low. This imbalance is driving prices up. If production continues to fall, saffron from other countries may replace Kashmiri saffron in markets we traditionally dominated,” he said.
Meanwhile, saffron growers across Kashmir have appealed to the government for urgent intervention to save the sector from collapse.
They have demanded the creation of effective irrigation facilities, strict protection of saffron land from encroachment, and the strengthening of the Mission Saffron project with scientific, technical, and financial support.
“We need proper irrigation, modern scientific guidance, and timely support from the government. Without immediate intervention, the future of Kashmir’s saffron industry is at serious risk,” said Abdul Majid, another grower.
Stakeholders warned that continued neglect could spell the end of one of Kashmir’s most iconic, heritage-rich agricultural sectors, which has sustained generations of farming families and brought global recognition to the region. (KNO)
