Saffron Farmers
Saffron Farmers in this harvesting season are very keen for the international market linkage.
Recently Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, chaired a crucial meeting to review the functioning of India International Kashmir Saffron Trading Centre (IIKSTC) and took stock of other important issues at the IIKSTC, Pampore.
He actively engaged with the farmers, lending a sympathetic ear to their suggestions. While discussing the Mission, the Div Com directed the officers to immediately take over the completed assets and submit a detailed report on further course of action to complete all the components as envisaged in the Mission.
Additionally, a strong focus was placed on the Operational and Maintenance systems, calling for a robust community involvement and ownership through Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO). Agriculture and MED were directed to impart necessary training to empower and enable community ownership through Farmers Collectives.
Director Agriculture informed that the Saffron Park is fully equipped for value addition and quality control to ensure best returns on produce.
Later, the Div Com also conducted field visits including the Saffron Research Station of SKUAST at Dusso Pampore.
The meeting underscored the commitment of the Government to the welfare and growth of the saffron industry, aiming to ensure better prospects and livelihoods for saffron growers in the region.