Kashmir’s saffron farmers fear losses as most fields remain bare due to rising temperatures
Farmers say that an almost snowless winter, followed by a prolonged dry spell in September and the first two weeks of October, had taken a toll on saffron crop
- ✓Farmers say that an almost snowless winter, followed by a prolonged dry spell in September and the first two weeks of October, had taken a toll on saffron crop
- ✓On October 4, Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 31.2°C, the second-highest October temperature recorded since 1935.
- ✓Last year, farmers reported yields of only 5 to 10 per cent of a normal crop.
- ✓Around 20,000 to 25,000 families in Kashmir depend on saffron cultivation, which typically produces 13–14 tonnes annually.
Carrying a wicker basket, Irshad Ahmad went to his saffron field on Monday morning to harvest the crop. He decided, however, to wait a few more days, as barely any flowers were visible across his farm, which sprawls over several kanals in the Patlibagh area of south Kashmir’s Pampore.
By this time of year, saffron fields would normally be carpeted with purple flowers, ready to be picked during the brief harvest season. “We fear the crop may have failed this year,” Ahmad said. Farmers said an almost snowless winter, followed by a prolonged dry spell in September and the first two weeks of October, had taken a toll on the crop.
“Moisture in October is crucial for saffron, but Kashmir witnessed an unusual rise in temperatures during the first week of the month,” said Abdul Rasheed, another farmer. On October 4, Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 31.2°C, the second-highest October temperature recorded since 1935.
“The crop is sensitive to fluctuations in temperature and moisture, and irregular precipitation can affect flowering and yields”, an agriculture expert said. In 2010, the government introduced a drip irrigation system under the ₹412 crore National saffron Mission to tackle prolonged dry spells, but the initiative failed to take off completely.
Ali Mohammad, another farmer, however, expected a better yield from his field, which he had irrigated several times during the season. “I dug a well in my field and irrigated it from time to time. We have started picking the flowers, and the yield is good,” he said.
If the harvest proves as poor as early signs suggest, it would mark another subdued season for saffron growers. Last year, farmers reported yields of only 5 to 10 per cent of a normal crop. Around 20,000 to 25,000 families in Kashmir depend on saffron cultivation, which typically produces 13–14 tonnes annually.
“We can only hope the flowers emerge in the coming days. The next few days will tell us how much of the crop has survived,” said a farmer said.
- •Aspirants and citizens are advised to monitor official notices and circulars issued by The Hindu BusinessLine Economy.
- •Verify all prescribed eligibility criteria, cutoff dates, and authenticated document requirements prior to formal submissions.
- •Track connected examination timetables, vacancy advisories, and administrative gazettes on SuchnaSetu.
| Issuing Authority | The Hindu BusinessLine Economy |
|---|---|
| Topic Category | BUSINESS |
| Jurisdiction | All India / National |
| Publication Date | 26 October 2026 |