Kishtwar, Sep 3: Today, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Devansh Yadav showcased cutting-edge indoor saffron cultivation technology in a historic ceremony at the Agriculture Extension Office in Kishtwar. The region’s saffron farming practises are about to undergo a major upheaval thanks to this creative project.
Farmers who stand to gain greatly from this technical innovation were present at the ceremony, along with the Chief Agriculture Officer, Amjad Hussain Malik, and the DAO, Sanjay Sharma.
The project was completed under the SANKALP Scheme by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in the District of Kishtwar as part of the Skill Development Programme at an estimated cost of Rs. 1.35 lakh.
During the ceremony, each of the 9 recipient farmers got 25 kg of saffron corms, racks, and trays absolutely free of charge as a show of generosity.
This assistance seeks to alleviate the region’s persistent climate issues by empowering local farmers and promoting the use of cutting-edge saffron farming methods.
The Kishtwar Administration’s dedication to supporting agricultural innovation and improving the lives of the saffron farming community is seen in the introduction of indoor saffron production technology.
The Deputy Commissioner spoke with saffron producers at the inauguration event and highlighted the advantages of indoor saffron cultivation technology. With increased efficiency and production for producers in the face of climatic instability, inadequate irrigation, and limited cultivating land in the district, this novel strategy has the potential to revolutionise saffron agriculture.
The Deputy Commissioner pleaded with the farmers of saffron to forgo illegal trade and the unpermitted shipment of saffron maize from the region. Such operations, according to him, “pose a significant threat to the district’s saffron cultivation practises as they would also contribute to the depletion of indigenous, high-quality saffron, exacerbating the already existing shortage.” The Deputy Commissioner emphasised the significance of maintaining the district’s reputation for producing exceptional saffron in his appeal for ethical and responsible saffron trade. This is essential for protecting the livelihoods of neighbourhood farmers and guaranteeing the long-term success of saffron cultivation in Kishtwar.
