Spices Board, Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry are organizing training programmes for the quality improvement and capacity building of saffron and chilli farmers of Kashmir Division.In this regard, Director Agriculture Kashmir, Syed Altaf Aijaz Andrabi inaugurated the training programme today. He said that the training programme is targeted for training the participants on modern practices and problems, besides training them on value addition, quality control and better marketing for better economic gain from the cultivation of saffron and chilli.He said the participants will acquire knowledge and skills on advanced practices related to cultivation processing, preservation, packaging and marketing of saffron. He said the participants will also be exposed to latest developments and technology in the field of saffron.Andrabi said that saffron is the most expensive spice in the world, which grows in only a few places and fortunately, Kashmir is one of them.He said the introduction of new technology is the field of saffron cultivation is need of the hour, which will explore new vistas in the field and will help in increasing the saffron farmers’ income.
He impressed upon the participants that taking up of such training programme must offer all the opportunities to be acquainted with latest techniques in saffron cultivation.He stressed on the adoption of organic farming and said the world market is open for our produce. He highlighted the need and importance of well-trained professionals so that the farmers at grass root level can be trained. He said the world has changed and in order to be relevant and keep our farming community relevant in the rapidly changed global scenario. Earlier, Deputy Director Spices Board gave a brief of spice production in different parts of the country.Director Rakhs& Farms, Joint Director Agriculture Inputs, Joint Director Agriculture Extension, and other concerned officials were present during the programme.