Kashmir Saffron

Kashmir Saffron Latest News

The ongoing crisis in West Asia, coupled with a sharp decline in saffron output from Iran has resulted in the demand for Kashmiri saffron.

About Kashmir Saffron

• It is often called “red gold” for its distinctive aroma, flavour, and natural colouring properties.
• It is primarily cultivated in Pampore and nearby regions of South Kashmir.
• It has secured a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2020.
• Characteristics: The saffron plant produces purple flowers with bright orange to red stigmas, which are carefully dried to obtain the highly valued spice.
• The saffron available in Kashmir is of three types: Lachha Saffron, Mongra Saffron and Guchhi Saffron.
• Required Climatic conditions
  • It grows at an elevation of 1,500-2,000 m above mean sea level.
  • Climate: Saffron cultivation requires explicit climatic conditions with temperatures ranging from not more than 35oC or 40oC in the summer to about -15oC or -20oC in the winter.
  • It can be grown in dry, moderate and continental climate types.
  • Soil: It thrives on loamy, sandy, and calcareous soils.
  • Saffron grows best on acidic soil. It thrives well when the soil pH is 5.5 to 8.5.
• In India around 90% of saffron production comes from Kashmir, where it has been grown for centuries.

Source: NIE

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