Farmers Warned Safeguard Heritage Crop or Face Severe Penalties Under Saffron Act
Bilal Habib
PAMPORE, August 19: In a determined effort to safeguard Pampore’s renowned Saffron crop, the Agriculture Department in Pampore has formed specialized squads to monitor and prevent the illegal export of saffron corms outside Kashmir.
These squads are actively overseeing the extraction and sowing of Saffron corms, visiting Saffron fields to collect relevant details from farmers. The teams have also conducted raids on several Saffron dealing shops along the national highway in Lethpora, aiming to deter illegal practices.
Talking to Kashmir Despatch, Ishtiyaq Ahmad said that over the past few days, the department has significantly ramped up its efforts to curb the unlawful export of Saffron seeds. With global warming and a shortage of seeds posing a threat to the region’s Saffron industry, the local administration is taking decisive action to ensure that these valuable seeds remain in the hands of local farmers.
The Agriculture Officer Pampore, emphasized that Saffron is not only a unique agricultural asset but also a heritage crop for the region. However, climate change and limited seed availability have made it imperative to act. To address these challenges, the department has launched a campaign to ensure that saffron seeds are cultivated locally and not exported to other states illegally. To enforce this, the government has imposed a strict ban on saffron seed exports.
Squads have been formed to monitor the area day and night, with a focus on preventing unauthorized transportation of seeds outside Kashmir.
According to Agriculture Officer Ishtiyaq Ahmad, any farmer found violating this ban will face severe punishment under the Saffron Act, as the goal is to protect this valuable crop from leaving the region at any cost. As part of this initiative, the Agriculture Office has also planned to deploy mobile vans equipped with loudspeakers to raise awareness among farmers. These vans will circulate throughout the area, making announcements and educating the public about the importance of preserving their Saffron heritage.Ahmad also highlighted the long-term risks of selling saffron seeds for immediate profit. He warned that while some farmers might be tempted by short-term gains, they could face a future where saffron seeds become scarce and difficult to obtain. He urged farmers to consider the future and protect the seed bank, which is crucial for ongoing saffron production in the region.
In a heartfelt appeal, Ishtiyaq Ahmad called on Pampore’s farmers, Prograssive farmers and citizens to cooperate with the Agriculture Department in this critical matter. He encouraged them to report any suspected illegal activity related to Saffron seed export to field officers, assuring that strict action would be taken against violators to ensure the continued prosperity of the Saffron industry. In addition to monitoring illegal exports, the Agriculture Office is also addressing the issue of illegal constructions in the region. Squads have been formed to control the situation, and the office is committed to educating farmers about the dangers of exporting seeds illegally. Through ongoing awareness campaigns, the office aims to prevent the outflow of local seeds to other states and provide farmers with guidance on how to increase saffron production in their fields.
