Srinagar, Aug 12: Prolonged dry spell has hit the saffron cultivation in Kashmir.
The valley has been witnessing prolonged dry weather with temperatures breaking the previous record. Dry weather conditions have impacted both the agriculture as well as horticulture sectors in the absence of an alternate irrigation system.
Saffron, also referred to as `red gold’. requires precise climatic conditions to thrive. The initial stages of saffron cultivation, which commence in August, are crucial for the crop’s development. Farmers have emphasized that this period necessitates regular spells of rain in August and September to ensure proper growth.
“There has not been any major impact of this crop yet. But this crop requires spells of rainfall after August 20 and in September. If current conditions persist, it may prove worrying for growers as well as the dealers, ” said Abdul Majeed Wani, President Saffron Growers Association of Kashmir.
Growers said the bulk production during the previous years was the result of the favorable weather conditions during the peak period- August, September, and October.
“Saffron cultivation is highly sensitive to weather conditions. The lack of rain could severely affect the initial growth stages, ultimately impacting the quality and quantity of the harvest. Fortunately, we have been witnessing a favorable weather condition during the last few years following which production as well as quality of the crop improved,” said Tariq Ahmad a local saffron farmer.
Saffron has been grappling with persistent challenges, primarily due to fluctuating yields, inadequate irrigation, and the escalating impacts of the climate crisis.
The government launched the 4.1 billion rupee National Saffron Mission (NMS) in 2010 to mitigate these challenges and rejuvenate saffron cultivation in Kashmir.
Prolonged periods of drought still have caused significant concerns among saffron farmers despite the government completing the irrigation component of the mission.
“Though we have now means for irrigation still rains matter a lot for the crop. We hope it rains periodically in August and in the coming months so that we have a better saffron yield,” said Bashir Ahmad, a grower.
Officials said they have built the borewells to manage irrigation for saffron crops. “We hope for rain in August in the coming months. Still, we have built borewells to arrange irrigation for the fields. The mechanical wing is working periodically to ensure a healthy crop,” said Waheed – Ur- Rehman Deputy Director (Central) Agriculture.
Pertinently, to combat the impacts of climate change, farmers in Kashmir have resorted to indoor farming.
This mode of farming which is not yet common has shown promising results as the growers got good returns in terms of production as well as quality through indoor farming.
