Saffron production declined by over 67% from 2010 to 2024: Centre
Minister says no production increased marginally by 4% in last year
New Delhi, Feb 06 (WD):
Saffron production has declined by over 67% from 2010 to 2024, as reported by the Centre. However, there has been a small increase of 4% in production in the last year. The Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Arjun Munda, provided these details in response to a query by National Conference MP Hasnain Masoodi.
The decline in saffron production in Jammu and Kashmir is significant, dropping from 8.0 MT in 2010-11 to 2.6 MT in 2023-24. This represents a substantial decrease of about 67.5% over the mentioned period. Despite the overall decline, there was a marginal increase of 4% in saffron production from 2022-23 to 2023-24.
Efforts have been made to improve irrigation facilities, with 123 deep bore-wells constructed and connected to Sprinkler Irrigation Systems. However, the full utilization of irrigation facilities is hindered by the absence of farmer user groups.
Measures are being taken to protect saffron land from diversion for other purposes, including the implementation of the Saffron Act and rules. Furthermore, a review of activities under the National Saffron Mission has been requested to enhance the sector’s development in Jammu & Kashmir.
