Union Agriculture Secretary, Mr Siraj Hussain today visited the saffron fields in Pampore area to take on the spot stock of the progress of National Mission on Saffron. He was accompanied by Director Agriculture Kashmir, Altaf Ajaz Andrabi, Director Horticulture Kashmir, Director Horticulture Planning & Marketing and other senior officers of the agriculture and horticulture departments.The Union Secretary was informed by the saffron growers that there has been substantial increase in the yield of saffron and the same has gone up to 4 kgs per hectare in the rejuvenated fields because of the intervention made through National Mission on Saffron.The Union Secretary also visited Saffron Research Centre Station SKUAST-K at Dassu and was informed that research, processing, separation of stamen is carried out on scientific basis and drying is also carried out at faster rate in mechanical dryers and vacuum packing is done at the centre to increase the quality of saffron. He was informed that by mutation and breeding 13 new varieties of high yielding saffron have been developed at the centre.
While interacting with a group of farmers Mr. Siraj laid emphasis that far marketing of saffron, growers should be connected through “M-Kisan Portal” and the farmers should register their Mobile numbers with the Portal, so that they can market their saffron through portal. He also emphasized the need for marketing the saffron through National Agriculture Market Scheme.The Union Secretary also reviewed the working on Saffron Park at Dassu, which is under construction at a cost of Rs 23 crores, where processing, grading, drying and quality control of Saffron will be done. Secretary impressed upon the National Horticulture Board officials to complete the construction of Saffron Park within the targeted period.The farmers thanked the Union Secretary for taking up the extension of National Mission on Saffron for next two years with the Government of India.On this Occasion Director Agriculture Kashmir Altaf Ajaz Andrabi appraised the secretary about the sprinkle irrigation System and other activities under the National Mission on Saffron. Mr.Siraj also visited the Horticulture Nursery, Horticulture Orchards and other works under Horticulture at Bijbehara Anantnag.