SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 25: Director Agriculture Kashmir, Sartaj
Ahmad Shah, today inaugurated an Exhibition cum Awareness and Promotion Programme dedicated to GI-tagged Kashmir Saffron at the Agriculture Complex, Lalmandi, Srinagar.
The event was organized by the Spices Board of India, Regional Office, Srinagar (Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India). It aimed to showcase the exceptional qualities of Kashmir saffron, create greater awareness among stakeholders, and promote its international market potential following the award of the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
In his inaugural address, the Director highlighted the various initiatives undertaken by the Department of Agriculture for the promotion and development of GI-tagged saffron. He reaffirmed the department’s full commitment to providing technical support, guidance, and assistance to saffron farmers to improve productivity, enhance production, and strengthen market linkages. He said that Saffron is our niche heritage crop, and Kashmir has the proud distinction of producing one of the finest and most premium saffrons
in the world. The GI tag has opened new global opportunities for our saffron, ensuring its authenticity and commanding higher value in international markets, he added. He called for a unified and collective approach among all stakeholders to further strengthen and promote the saffron sector.
The Director emphasized that the GI tag is playing a key role in enabling saffron growers to receive remunerative prices, thereby ensuring economic sustainability and long-term viability of saffron cultivation in the region.
Sartaj Ahmad Shah directed all concerned officers to ensure proactive outreach so that every saffron farmer is fully aware of the departmental schemes, programmes, and support measures available for the advancement and modernization of the saffron industry.
Earlier, the Director visited various exhibition stalls set up by the India International Kashmir Saffron Trading Centre (IIKSTC),Spices Board of India, and private entrepreneurs. These stalls displayed saffron products, cultivation practices, post-harvest techniques, and value-addition opportunities.
The programme was attended by representatives from the Spices Board of India, officers from IIKSTC and the Agriculture Department, and saffron growers.
This initiative reflects the strong collaboration between the Department of Agriculture Kashmir and the Spices Board of India to protect, preserve, and globally promote Kashmir’s iconic saffron while empowering farmers through better awareness, improved market access, and sustainable development practices.