May 6, 2020
Just a few days back, the world-fame Kashmiri (zafraan) saffron was granted Geographical Indication (GI) tag, giving a pride and signifying its exceptionality in the international market.
As per the issued documentations, the Geographical Indication Registry has approved the GI tagging on the saffron with GI no 635. Directorate of Agriculture has been declared as a registered proprietor of the GI of saffron falling in Class 30.
Kashmiri saffron, though known for its quality, hue, texture and aroma worldwide, has been witnessing an invasion by inexpensive saffron from Iran.
Iran being the largest cultivator of saffron in the world, produces over 300 tons every year on 30,000 hectares of land. In comparison, Kashmir stands second in supply, the cultivation is limited to about one-eighth that area–3,715 hectares.
According to data analysis by the Agriculture Department, Pampore Township in Pulwama district has around 3,200 hectares of land under saffron cultivation which yields most of the saffron in the Kashmir Valley. Srinagar has around 165 hectares of land is under saffron cultivation and similarly 300 hectares of land is under the saffron cultivation Budgam. Kishtwar being the only district in the Jammu division has lowest area of 50 hectares to grow the precious spice.
After the invasion of the Iranian saffron, the price of Kashmiri saffron dropped by 48% after 2007, and same year Iranian imports grew considerably.
In early September of 2019, Kashmir’s saffron producers met the officials of the Geographical Indications Registry in New Delhi Deputy Registrar Chinnaraja G. Naidu sought details of the method of production, the area under cultivation and the reasons for GI tagging.
“GI tagging is a must for our saffron. It will set apart our high-quality saffron from the cheaper varieties of Iran, Spain, and Afghanistan. Nearly 60% of Iranian saffron was shipped illegally via Dubai,” said Abdul Majeed Wani, a saffron grower and president of the Saffron Growers Association.
Wani further informed that a gram of Kashmiri saffron fetches Rs. 120 in 2020, against Rs. 250 in 2007.
Director of Agriculture Altaf Aijaz Andrabi told media that a farmer will have a specified bar code who cultivates saffron.
“A spice park coming up at Dussu in Pampore to brand and promote Kashmiri saffron is the solution to the problems of the entire industry. The [GI] barcode on the saffron will display everything –who is the grower, how much has been his yield and most importantly, the standards of his produce,” he said
Unmatched quality:Undoubtedly, Kashmiri saffron is of superior quality due to the higher concentration of crocin, a carotenoid pigment that gives saffron its unique color and medicinal value. Kashmiri saffron’s crocin content is 8.72% compared to the Iranian variant which is 6.82%, which gives it a darker color and enhanced medicinal value.