Jammu & Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor (L-G), Mr Girish Chandra Murmu said, “This is the first major step to put Kashmir Saffron on the world map, thanks to the GI tag. The recognition would help Kashmir Saffron to acquire more prominence in the export market and would help the farmers get the best remunerative price”.
The L-G also congratulated Mr Altaf Aijaz Andrabi, director of agriculture, J&K, for his relentless pursuit for the GI tag for the homegrown Kashmiri spice.
He added that this move will aid in restoration of Kashmir’s saffron’s pristine glory which has been a top priority for both the union territory (UT) administration and the Central government.
The saffron industry will be benefited by the inauguration of the state-of-the-art Spice Park at Pampore in south Kashmir in August under the National Saffron Mission (NSM).
Mr Navin K. Choudhary, principal secretary, agriculture production department, J&K, said, “GI certification establishes specific geographical origin and certifies certain unique qualities of the product. GI certification enables those who have the right to use the sign in order to prevent a third party from using the sign. The GI certification would also stop the prevalent adulteration of Kashmir Saffron and the authenticated spice would fetch a much better price”.
He added that Kashmir Saffron is the only one spice in the world grown at an altitude of 1,600 metres, making it a one-of-a-kind variant that is known for its unique characteristics such as natural deep-red colour, aroma, bitter flavor, etc.
Mr Choudhary further said that the sprinkler irrigation system is being installed in saffron fields as per L-G’s instructions and is expected to be completed in the next two months.
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