The initiative of GI tagging of 'Kashmiri Kesar' by the Jammu and Kashmir government is doing wonders for the farmers associated in the production of saffron in the state. The certification under the Geographical Indications Registry will not just bring the adulteration to a halt but will also terminate the trade of saffron grown in other parts of the world being marketed as the Kashmiri saffron.
Those producing the crop in the region have deeply suffered financially due to the contamination of saffron, and a GI certification could prove to be a prominent measure to deal with the issue.
What is a GI Tag?
The GI certification is given to the products that comes from a specific line of origin geographically, or in terms of qualities owing to their origin. Farmers producing a crop will are able to attain a much fairer and profitable deal in the global market after GI Tagging of their product.
Talking of the saffron, the crop has been used and traded across the world since the ancient times, and is known for its medical and aromatic properties. In Kashmir, it is grown at an altitude of 1,600 - 1,800m above the sea level, and hence holds a special status among other varieties of saffron in the world. The crop with unique properties is mostly grown by the farmers of Srinagar, Budgam, Pulwama, and Kishtwar in the Valley.
Economics of Saffron
On the global front, Iran holds the title of being the largest producer of saffron and gives India a significant competition in the trade. Though, now India has become the first nation to be awarded with a GI Tag on saffron, and the saffron industry is hopeful to see a boost in its exports this year. The increased imports will ensure financial sustainability of the saffron growers in the country.
If reports are to be believed, a bumper production of saffron has been recorded this year in J&K region and the facility of GI certification is proving to be icing on the cake for the farmers. The adulterers are no longer able to sell substandard saffron and producers are earning a full price for their product.
In the year 2020, 13 tonnes of saffron was produced in Kashmir, however, the yield is expected to see a jump of 15-20 per cent, i.e. 16 tonnes this year. At present, saffron is being sold in the market between the price range of Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh per kg.
Despite high production this year, the reports further suggests that the saffron prepared so far is also rich in quality. Farmers claimed that big pharmaceutical and pan masala companies have themselves approached the crop producers and bought saffron on costly orders.
