Jammu, Feb 14: MLA Pampore and retired Justice Hasnain Masoodi on Friday demanded immediate and concrete steps for the revival of saffron, describing it as the most important cash crop of Jammu and Kashmir and warning that its continued neglect has pushed growers into deep distress.
Participating in the discussion on Demands for Grants for Agriculture and other departments in the Legislative Assembly, Masoodi strongly contradicted the government’s claim that saffron production had crossed 19,000 kilograms in 2025. He asserted that actual production had fallen to an all-time low of around 1,000 kilograms, leading to an estimated loss of nearly ₹500 crore for saffron growers and traders associated with the sector.
Highlighting serious infrastructural failures, the MLA said that out of 129 borewells installed under the Saffron Mission, not a single borewell was operational on the ground. He further pointed out that, as per a written reply placed before the House, only 10 kilograms of saffron had reached the ₹37 crore Spice Park for processing, GI tagging and marketing, which, he said, clearly reflected the alarming decline in production.
Masoodi also expressed grave concern over the rising incidence of cancer in Kashmir and linked it to the excessive and unregulated use of chemical fertilizers, fungicides and insecticides in agriculture. He cautioned that indiscriminate pesticide use contaminates groundwater and poses a serious public health risk. Stressing the need for a long-term policy shift, he urged the government to promote organic and sustainable farming practices to protect both agricultural output and public health.
Referring to the dairy potential of the region, Masoodi said Kakapora and adjoining areas are known as the “Anand of Kashmir” due to their daily milk production of nearly eight lakh litres. He demanded that out of the proposed seven milk processing plants, at least two to three should be established at Begum Bagh and Parigam to support local dairy farmers.
The MLA also pressed for the establishment of a Fruit and Vegetable Mandi in the constituency and called for setting up a Veterinary Hospital along with extension centres at Tirach, Dougham and Khrew to strengthen the rural economy and provide better support to farmers and livestock rearers.
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