Grown at an altitude of 1,600 meters, Kashmir saffron has a unique colour and flavor

With the government issuing a certificate of Geographical Indication (GI), saffron grown in Kashmir is set to become a global brand.

The GI tag is a historic step and Kashmir saffron would now acquire more prominence in the export market, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor GC Murmu was quoted as saying by a report in The Tribune.

With the GI tag, Kashmir saffron will acquire more prominence in the export market and will help farmers get the best price for it, Murmu said in an official statement.

GI certification establishes specific geographical origin and certifies certain unique qualities of the produce or product.

According to The Tribune, Pampore is the hub of saffron cultivation in Kashmir and a bumper crop is expected this year. This is due to multiple initiatives by the National Mission on Saffron (NMS), under which a project worth Rs 411 crore was approved by the Centre and 3,715 hectare area for saffron cultivation was proposed to be rejuvenated.

The GI certification would also end the malpractice of adulteration of Kashmir saffron, leading to much better prices for the authentic produce, The Tribune quoted an official as saying.

Kashmir saffron, grown at an altitude of 1,600 metres, has unique characteristics like a natural deep-red colour, high aroma, bitter flavor and chemical-free processing, the report said.

Read the complete report in The Tribune