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The floods in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), one of the major producers of saffron globally, have caused immense damage to the crop, according to traders.
The exact estimate of loss to the crop is not yet known because farmers could not be contacted as rescue operations are on and communication network has been badly hit. The state’s horticulture and revenue departments were also not accessible.
Saffron, also known as kesar, is grown at Pampore in Pulwama district, 13 km from Srinagar, as well as in Budgam and Kishtwar districts, all of which are badly hit by the floods.
The crop is grown on small land holdings with an average size of 0.5 hectares by some 16,000 families in 226 villages. J&K produces 15 tonnes of saffron and sowing takes place in 3,000 hectares. The sowing takes place in June-July and the crop is ready for harvesting in October-end or November. Indian saffron is globally regarded as premium quality.
As major consumers of saffron usually start buying when fresh crop comes in the market around October-November, there is no big activity in the market. However, the price of old stock of Kashmir kesar in the retail market has jumped 10 per cent to Rs 210 a gramme, making it costlier than Iranian kesar.
According to traders, prices are likely to go up further. India, Iran and Spain are the major producers or saffron. India also imports Iranian saffron.
A Mumbai-based trader explained that the planting cycle of saffron is about 15 years, after which new planting is done. So, any damage due to the current floods will have a bearing on future crop cycles as well.
Despite the efforts put in by the state horticulture department to motivate farmers to grow saffron, the sowing area has been dropping due to failing returns on the crop, said a senior banker from Pampore. He also confirmed that the saffron fields are currently submerged under water, the extent of damage can only be assessed when the water recedes, but the crop will definitely be effected, he added.
