Once a prized cash crop of Kashmir, Saffron has been subject to neglect by all the stakeholders for many years and if efforts aren’t made, the crop is bound to enter the annals of extinct species
After much lobbying the Central Government sanctioned National Saffron Mission Programme (NSMP) for revival of Saffron industry in the State. Under the programme an amount of Rs 371.18 crore is to be spent over four years beginning this year, of which Rs 286.06 crore will be contributed by Government of India and Rs 85.12 crore will be put in by farmers.
The NSMP has been formulated to improve production, enhance quality, improve research and extension capability and develop appropriate systems for organised marketing for growers. During the current fiscal an amount of Rs 39.43 crore would be invested to form the allocated pool of funds. The once prized cash crop of Kashmir has been subject to neglect by all the stakeholders concerned for many years now and if last effort like NSM is not made now, the crop is bound to enter the annals of extinct species. The Economic Survey of J&K reveals a continuous decline in production of Saffron over the last six years with revenues from the sector falling drastically. The current revenue generation is only 25 percent what it used to be in 1996-97. Even the evaluation studies by government agencies reveals that the income output ration has fallen from 1:2.50 to 1:0.69 meaning that an investment of Rs 100 generates only Rs 69 for the growers leaving them to lose Rs 31 from their pockets. Barely twelve years ago, the income output ratio was 1:2.50, meaning that an investment of Rs 100 would generate an income of Rs 250 for the grower. Not only has the crop suffered on production front, but its marketing has received a big jolt as major bulk orders from host of organisations in India are now being catered to by Spanish and Iranian saffron. What has resulted in further loss to the crop is the growing level of pollution due to the industries around the areas where the crop is grown, which has also led to decline in production. Going by the proposed programme, it seems that all areas that have resulted in dwindling production have been addressed. Three areas that need to be put into extra focus include quality control, adequate irrigation and effective marketing mechanism. For Quality Testing, a Quality Control Laboratory would be set up at Pampore by National Spot Exchange costing Rs 8.90 crore. Irrigation facilities that were major bottleneck in boosting the production is expected to be addressed to a major extent as 253 tube wells and 3715 sprinklers sets would be installed for timely irrigation. Measures like these are expected to catapult the earnings from this prized crop from the existing Rs 236 crore to Rs 4642.50 crore, which would be a major achievement, if realized. What is now needed is to follow the programme in letter and spirit and go for timely rectification as and when the need arises, otherwise this much hyped programme is bound to face the same fate as been with major projects in the State.
