In a groundbreaking development, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Devansh Yadav unveiled state-of-the-art Indoor Saffron Cultivation Technology at the Agriculture Extension Office in Kishtwar. This technological leap promises to revolutionize saffron cultivation practices in the region, marking a significant milestone in the agricultural sector.
The event, graced by the presence of Chief Agriculture Officer Amjad Hussain Malik and DAO Sanjay Sharma, also welcomed beneficiary farmers poised to reap substantial benefits from this innovative advancement.
Under the Skill Development program of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, District Kishtwar, the project was realized at an estimated cost of Rs 1.35 lakh under the SANKALP Scheme. During the launch ceremony, each of the nine beneficiary farmers received 25 kgs of Saffron Corms, along with racks and trays, completely free of cost.
This support aims to empower local farmers and encourage the adoption of advanced saffron cultivation techniques, effectively addressing the climatic challenges prevalent in the region.
Deputy Commissioner Dr. Devansh Yadav, while engaging with saffron growers, underscored the potential benefits of Indoor Saffron Cultivation Technology. This groundbreaking approach promises enhanced efficiency and productivity for growers, offering a solution to climate uncertainty, irrigation deficits, and limited cultivation spaces in the district.
Dr. Devansh Yadav also issued a stern warning against engaging in illicit trading and unauthorized export of Saffron Corms from the district. He emphasized that such activities pose a significant threat to the saffron cultivation practices in the district, potentially depleting indigenous, high-quality saffron and worsening the existing shortage.
In his impassioned plea for responsible and ethical saffron trade, the Deputy Commissioner stressed the paramount importance of preserving the district’s reputation for producing exceptional saffron. This reputation, he emphasized, is vital for sustaining the livelihoods of local farmers and ensuring the long-term prosperity of saffron cultivation in Kishtwar.
The Chenab Times News Desk