Saffron Farmers in Konibal Pampore Protest Against Porcupine Attacks, Seek Government Action to Protect Crops

Bilal Habib

Pampore, December 20: A group of saffron farmers in Konibal village, located in Pampore in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, staged a peaceful protest today, highlighting the significant damage caused to their saffron fields by porcupines and other wild animals.

Raising slogans such as “Save Our Saffron” and “Do Justice with Us,” the farmers expressed their distress over the destruction of their precious saffron corms, a vital part of Kashmir’s internationally renowned saffron crop.

The farmers allege that porcupines have been wreaking havoc on the fields during the night, digging up and destroying saffron corms, thus threatening the cultivation of this vital crop. The situation has left the farming community in a state of anxiety, as the damage directly impacts their livelihood.

Ghulam Mohammad Sheikh, a farmer from Konibal village, spoke to Kashmir Convenor, stating, “Porcupines and other wild animals are causing significant damage to our saffron fields during the night. We had earlier sought help from the Agriculture Department and the Research Centre, but we have received no response so far.” Sheikh added that the damage to saffron corms had been extensive, and the farmers now urgently seek measures to safeguard their crops from further loss.

Another farmer, Showkat Ahmad Bhat, also from Konibal, shared his frustration, saying, “Last year, we suffered a significant loss, but after sprays were applied by SKUAST-Kashmir and the Agriculture Department, the situation was brought under control. This year, however, the problem persists, and porcupines continue to damage our crops.” Bhat urged the government to take immediate action and direct the Wildlife Department to capture the porcupines to prevent further damage.

The farmers have now appealed to the Agriculture Minister and relevant authorities to address the issue without delay, emphasizing the urgency of protecting the saffron fields. With the ongoing destruction of saffron corms, many farmers fear they may be forced to sell their crops, further impacting their already fragile income.

Kashmiri saffron, cultivated primarily in Pampore, is a crop of cultural and economic importance, known for its unique quality. Farmers are calling on the government to take immediate action to ensure the protection and sustainability of this critical agricultural resource.