Pampore, Sep 11: Pampore Police foiled an attempt to illegally transport saffron corms in the Saffron Town Pampore area of Police District Awantipora, officials said on Friday.
The police team, led by SHO Pampore Inspector Khalid Fayaz, seized 1.80 quintals of saffron corms during naka checking while acting against their alleged illegal transportation outside the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, police officials told Kashmir Convener.
It is pertinent to mention that the transportation of saffron corms outside the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir without prohibited under law.
The seized corms were subsequently handed over to the Agriculture Department, Zone Pampore, for further necessary action.
Saffron is the heritage crop of Kashmir, and the transportation of its corms outside the region is prohibited under the applicable laws.
The Agriculture Department reiterated that the transportation of saffron corms outside the Union Territory without requisite permission is strictly prohibited under the Saffron Act, 2007, and the Seed Act, 1966.
The Agriculture Department officials told Kashmir Convener the restrictions are aimed at protecting Kashmir’s unique saffron heritage, ensuring regulated cultivation, and preserving the region’s prized saffron crop.
Saffron farmers from the Pampore area lauded and congratulated Police Station Pampore for the action, saying that such timely intervention had once again helped prevent the illegal transportation of saffron corms outside the region.
The farmers appreciated the SDPO Pampore R.P Singh and SHO Pampore Khalid Fayaz for protecting the interests of local saffron growers and safeguarding Kashmir’s precious heritage crop.
Speaking to Kashmir Convener, Agriculture Extension Officer, Pampore, Mir Ashiq Hussain said that the transportation of saffron corms outside the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is prohibited.
In this regard, Police Station Pampore, during naka checking, seized around 1.80 quintals (180 kg) of saffron corms that were allegedly being transported outside the UT.
He said that after completing the requisite legal formalities, Pampore Police handed over the seized saffron corms to the Agriculture Department, Zone Pampore.
“We have taken the corms into our custody and will initiate further proceedings as per the law after completing all necessary legal formalities,” he said.
Mir Ashiq Hussain said the Agriculture Department has already issued orders prohibiting the transportation of saffron corms outside Jammu and Kashmir. He said the restriction is in place under the Saffron Act, 2007, and the Seed Act, 1966.
He said the Agriculture Department is also conducting awareness campaigns among saffron growers to discourage the illegal transportation of saffron corms outside the UT.
“Our effort is to ensure that saffron corms remain here and are used for cultivation in Pampore and other saffron-growing areas, so that the seed is conserved and the local saffron industry is protected,” he said.
The Agriculture Extension Officer expressed gratitude to Police Station Pampore for preventing the alleged illegal transportation of the saffron corms outside the UT.
He also appealed to saffron growers to immediately inform the Agriculture Department if they come across any illegal transportation of saffron corms or notice anyone involved in such activities.
“We will take appropriate legal action against those found involved in the illegal transportation of saffron corms,” he said.
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