Saffron became expensive than Rs 5 lakh kg
According to media reports, the price of the best quality Kashmiri saffron has now crossed Rs 5 lakh per kg. Its price has increased from 50,000 to 75,000 rupees in just a few more than a week. This has happened because the availability of saffron in the valley has reduced. Actually, the central government has closed the Attari-Wagah border for trade. This decision was taken after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Because of this, saffron imports from Afghanistan have stopped. Afghanistan is the only important supplier to meet the domestic demand of saffron in India. Due to this, the prices of Kashmiri saffron have increased wildly.
Afghanistan, Iran is imported
India consumes about 55 tonnes of saffron every year. But only 6 to 7 tonnes of saffron is produced in the high areas of Kashmir like Pulwama, Pampore, Budgam, Srinagar and Jammu region. The rest of saffron is imported from Afghanistan and Iran. Afghani saffron is famous for its color and fragrance. At the same time, Iranian saffron is cheaper and hence it is used in large quantities.
Kashmiri saffron is its special identity
In just four days of the border closure with Pakistan, the price of saffron increased by 10 percent. Saffron has already been one of the most expensive agricultural products in the world. Kashmiri saffron is famous all over the world for its dark red color, sharp fragrance and high volume of crocin. The color of saffron is darker due to crocin. It is the only saffron in the world, grown at a height of more than 1600 meters above sea level. In 2020, Kashmiri saffron received the GI (Geographical Indication) tag. Its purpose is to save its identity and help to compete with cheap saffron. GI tag will be identified with Kashmiri saffron.
Saffron farmer glow due to increase in prices
The national saffron mission and the efforts of the government have led to a boost worldwide. Earlier, saffron prices were falling for many years. The middlemen were taking advantage of the farmers. Iranian saffron was also fighting tough. Because of this, many farmers were thinking of growing other crops. But now farmers have got some relief due to increase in saffron prices. Saffron farmers of Kashmir are happy due to the rise in saffron prices. Farmers who were struggling to withdraw the cost earlier are now expected to make good profits. However, many farmers also fear whether this benefit will remain or will be reduced again due to market fluctuations and government policies.