Kashmiri saffron growers, who have been facing problems of excess stock, may soon find a market in Tirupati if the talks between the growers and the Thirumala Temple Authority materialise.
An initiative in this regard was taken by Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress President Saifuddin Soz who held consultations with Andhra Pradesh Governor E S L Narisimhan and Chairman of Thirumala Tirupati Devasthanam Trust D K Adiksesavulu Naidu.
"It must be heartening to saffron growers in Kashmir that the Prime Minister (Manmohan Singh) is seized with the problems they are facing and soon they would be out of woods," Soz said in a statement.
Long-term measures would be taken to safeguard saffron cultivation in Kashmir and both the central and state governments will be participating in further development of this industry, he said. The current difficulties of finding market for the stocks available with the growers will also be solved in the near future.
"I discussed the matter on phone last evening with the Andhra Pradesh Governor and sought his help to persuade the Tirupati Devasthanam Trust to purchase the saffron from Kashmir which is of high quality. I also took up the matter in writing with him. The Governor assured me to render necessary help in this behalf," he said.
Later, Soz took up the matter with Chairman Thirumala Tirupati Devasthanam Trust, who assured him that his request would receive due consideration, the statement said.
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Tirupati Temple requires enormous quantity of saffron. It can be worked out that saffron growers in Kashmir supply saffron directly to the Tirupati Devasthanam Trust and in future it will be a gainful proposition.
"I have explained to the Trust that there is no question of adulteration as stern action has already been taken against the defaulters," he said.
The former Union Minister also appealed to saffron growers of Kashmir to produce and preserve saffron in a natural way and not resort to adulteration. "This is the only way their sale proceeds can enhance and this industry will be viable and healthy," he said.