Javid Dar takes stock of Saffron Sector at Pampore; pushes for revival, modernisation of cultivation, calls for Quality Enhancement, better returns to Growers

• Inspects Saffron fields, Reviews Grading Facilities

SRINAGAR: Minister for Agriculture Production, Finance, Mining and Cooperative Departments, Javid Ahmad Dar, today visited the world-renowned saffron fields at Dusoo, Pampore, to assess ongoing initiatives for the promotion and preservation of saffron cultivation and review various farmer-centric interventions being implemented under the government's ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’.

During the visit, the Minister inspected stalls established by the Departments of Agriculture, Horticulture and allied sectors, showcasing innovative farming practices, modern agricultural technologies, departmental initiatives and various government schemes aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting crop diversification and improving farmers' livelihoods.

The Minister took a comprehensive review of the initiatives being undertaken by different departments and interacted with officials regarding the implementation and outreach of various farmer welfare schemes. He stressed the importance of enhanced inter-departmental coordination and effective field-level implementation to ensure that the benefits of government initiatives reach farmers at the grassroots level.

MLA Tral, Rafiq Ahmad Naik, and MLA Pulwama, Waheed-ur-Rehman Para, accompanied the Minister during the visit. Highlighting the importance of safeguarding agricultural land, Javid Dar said that ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ reflects the government's firm commitment to protecting the agricultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir while strengthening the rural economy and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for farming communities.

He emphasised the need to promote scientific cultivation methods, adopt modern agricultural technologies and strengthen institutional support to make the farming sector more productive, sustainable and economically rewarding.

The Minister also visited a saffron grading unit and inspected the facilities related to grading, processing and post-harvest management of the precious crop. He reviewed the functioning of the unit and underscored the need to strengthen post-harvest infrastructure, ensure adherence to quality standards and promote value addition for enhancing the global market competitiveness of Kashmir saffron.

Terming saffron a priceless agricultural heritage and an important pillar of Kashmir's cultural and economic identity, Javid Dar stressed the need for concerted and sustained efforts to protect its cultivation, improve production standards and ensure remunerative returns to saffron growers.

Reaffirming the government's commitment to the development of agriculture and allied sectors, Minister said that all possible institutional, technical and technological support would be extended to the farming community to strengthen agricultural production and transform Jammu and Kashmir's agricultural economy through targeted interventions and farmer-oriented policies. Director Agriculture Kashmir, Sartaj Ahmad Shah, accompanied by senior officers of the concerned departments, was also present on the occasion.