Mehroob Mushtaq & Numan Bhat
PAMPORE: “The land is speaking to us,” Muhammad Yaqoob declares, his voice tinged with both resignation and defiance, as he stands against the backdrop of withering saffron fields. His words and the landscape he stands on, reveal the harsh reality confronting saffron farmers – a devastating 10 to 15 percent yield collapse.
“Last year, we had a snowless winter followed by relentless dry summers and scorching temperatures, that drained the very life from the delicate saffron crocus,” he reveals.
Now, with little rainfall, his worries during saffron’s harvest season have multiplied.
“Saffron requires moisture, especially during September and October, to grow properly,” Yaqoob explains. “Unfortunately, the rain deficit has affected the crop’s growth this year. Without enough rainfall during this critical phase, the harvest is poor,” he adds.
His words are a haunting testimony to nature’s shifting rhythms, his weathered hands reveal the story of his environmental struggle to continue the farming tradition against all odds.
He is not alone in the ordeal.
The critical months of September and October, once marked by predictable rainfall patterns, offer uncertainty amidst shifting precipitation dynamics that challenge long-established agricultural expectations.
Without the life-giving rainfall during this crucial growth phase, the harvest withers, and with it, the economic lifeline of farmers like Yaqoob.
Kashmir’s prolonged dry spell has led to a sharp decline in saffron production this year, with yields dropping by 55 to 65 percent compared to previous years.
Farmers are deeply concerned as the lack of rainfall and extended dry weather have hindered crop growth. Many growers believe the lack of moisture during critical months has caused this crisis, putting their livelihoods and the region’s famous saffron industry at risk.
Barring a brief shower in September, the autumn in Kashmir has been dry, stunting the saffron growth due to lack of moisture.
Saffron production in Jammu and Kashmir has been steadily declining over the years, according to available data.
From 8.0 metric tons (MT) in 2010-11, production dropped to only 2.6 MT in 2023-24, marking a sharp 67.5% decline.
In 2013-14, saffron production in the region reached its peak at 14.01 MT, with a yield of 3.82 quintals per hectare. Since then, production has fluctuated, with significant drops in the following years.
In 2019-20, production fell drastically to just 0.02 MT, with a yield of only 4.44 quintals per hectare. Production figures have remained low in the years since, with little recovery.
Although there was a slight recovery in 2022-23, with a small 4% increase, production remains well below the levels seen a decade ago.
Abdul Qayoom Wani, a farmer, stated that this year’s saffron production has dropped by at least 50 percent compared to last year. “The dry weather has badly affected us, and the decrease in production is directly linked to the long drought. If no action is taken soon, the future of saffron farming here is at risk,” he added.
Other farmers from nearby areas also reported lower yields. The effects of climate change, along with broken irrigation systems and lack of government support, have left many saffron farmers in a difficult situation.
Zaffar Ahmad, another saffron grower, explained that countries like Iran and Spain have better saffron yields every year because of their efficient irrigation systems, something Pampore – regarded as the saffron bowl of Kashmir – lacks.
“We usually get good autumn rains, but this year, we’ve had almost none, and that will impact production,” he said.
The dry weather has hit saffron farmers hard, reducing both production and increasing costs. Without enough rainfall, many growers are facing financial struggles. The lack of support from the National Saffron Mission (NSM) has only added to their frustrations.
National Saffron Mission is a partnership program implemented in co-ordination with Directorates of Agriculture in Kashmir and Jammu, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture Srinagar, and National Horticulture Board. The mission’s primary goals were to improve saffron productivity vertically and horizontally, enhance saffron quality, and strengthen research and extension capabilities.
While the farmers say the NSM has been a non-starter, officials engaged with the program could not be contacted.
Arslan Ayoub, another local saffron grower, said that the dry weather had not only decreased saffron production but also increased the cost of cultivation.
“The expenses for growing saffron this year are much higher than what we are likely to earn from the harvest,” he said, adding that many farmers are struggling because of this situation.
He also criticized the National Saffron Mission (NSM), which was started in 2010 to improve saffron farming in the region, and enable farmers to combat several challenges including those thrown by changing environmental patterns. It has not achieved its objectives, he says.
Environmentalists warn that climate change is making saffron cultivation in Kashmir more difficult. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, and prolonged droughts have created unfavourable conditions for the crop.
Dr Rouf ur Rafiq, the renowned environmentalist from Valley, stressed the urgent need for sustainable solutions. “Climate change is making saffron farming more difficult each year. Rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and water shortages are severely impacting crop yields. On top of that, during the flowering season, heavy dew can harm the stigma of saffron, lowering its quality,” he said.
Explaining the fragile nature of the saffron crop, he added, “Now imagine the damage caused if large amounts of dust fall on the flowers—it would completely destroy them, reducing both the quality and quantity of the produce.”
Dr Rafiq reasons that farmers need better irrigation systems, advanced farming techniques, and consistent government support to survive these challenges. “Without these measures, the livelihoods of thousands of families will be at serious risk, and an age-old tradition could disappear.”
Giving its background, he says, “Till 1991, it was our highest remunerative crop and after that, it was replaced by horticulture. Thus, immediate and long-term action is critical to protect both the farmers and the future of saffron cultivation in Kashmir.”
It’s not just about farming, it is about preserving Kashmir’s heritage and supporting the backbone of its economy, Dr Rafiq believes.
The National Saffron Mission (NSM) is the mission that promised improvements, including the installation of bore wells for irrigation, reports indicate that many of these bore wells are either not working or poorly maintained.
Agricultural department officials report that out of the 110 bore wells under the NSM, only around 70 are currently functioning. However, they also noted that farmers are not taking responsibility for the upkeep of the wells, which could be contributing to their underuse.
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