The GI label will stop the widespread adulteration of Kashmir saffron, an official said. (Representative)
Jammu:
Saffron grown in Kashmir has received the Geographical Indication (GI) label, with Lieutenant Governor G C Murmu saying it was a major historic step in bringing the valley’s brand to the world map.
The Union government has issued a GI registration certificate for saffron grown in the Kashmir Valley, an official spokesperson said.
Shortly after taking office as lieutenant governor, Girish Chander Murmu took a personal interest in having Kashmir saffron achieve GI certification, he said.
Pampore, the saffron hub in Kashmir, is expected to have a bumper crop of spices this season due to initiatives taken by the National Saffron Mission (NMS).
Under the NMS, a project of Rs 411 crore has been approved by the Union government under which an area of 3,715 hectares for saffron has been proposed for rejuvenation.
“The GI certification will stop the widespread adulteration of Kashmir saffron, so authenticated saffron will fetch much better prices,” an official said.
He said that Kashmir saffron is the only one in the world grown at an altitude of 1600 meters, which differentiates it from other varieties because of its unique characteristics like longer and thicker stigma, natural dark red color, a high aroma, bitter flavor and chemicals. free treatment.
The official said an area of 2,500 hectares has been rejuvenated so far and exceptional production is expected during the current season.
Expressing joy at the development, LG Jammu and Kashmir said it was the first major step to put saffron produced in Kashmir Valley on the world map.
With the IG label, Kashmir saffron will gain prominence in the export market and help farmers get the best price, he said.
Mr Murmu said that with the completion and inauguration of the State of Art Spice Park next month, these measures will prove to be a game-changer for Kashmir saffron.
Navin K Choudhary, Senior Government Secretary, Agricultural Production Department, said GI certification establishes a specific geographic origin and certifies certain unique qualities of the product.
According to him, according to LG’s instructions, sprinkler irrigation systems are being installed on a war footing in the saffron fields and should be completed within the next two weeks.
(This story was not edited by GalacticGaming staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
