Kashmir Saffron gets GI Tag
Context: Recently, Kashmir Saffron got Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Geographical Indications Registry. The application was filed by the Directorate of Agriculture, Government of Jammu and Kashmir.
Kashmir Saffron gets GI Tag
Context: Recently, Kashmir Saffron got Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Geographical Indications Registry. The application was filed by the Directorate of Agriculture, Government of Jammu and Kashmir.
About Kashmir saffron
- Kashmir saffron is cultivated and harvested in the Karewa (highlands) of Jammu and Kashmir in regions such as Pulwama, Budgam, Kishtwar and Srinagar.
- It is the only saffron produced in the world at 1600 m to 1800 m AMSL, adding to its uniqueness and differentiating it from other saffron varieties available around the globe.
- Saffron cultivation is believed to have been introduced in Kashmir by Central Asian immigrants around 1st Century BCE.
- Safran is referred to as 'bahukam' in ancient Sanskrit literature.
- It is a very precious and costly product. Iran is the biggest saffron producer and India is a close contender.
- Uses - It rejuvenates health and is used in cosmetics and for medicinal purposes. The traditional kashmiri cuisine is associated with it and represents the region's rich cultural heritage.
3 types of Kashmir Saffron
- Lachha Saffron – with stigmas just separated from the flowers and dried without further processing.
- Mongra Saffron – in which stigmas are detached from the flower, dried in the sun and processed traditionally.
- Guchhi Saffron – It is the same as Lachha, but its stigmas are joined together in a bundle tied with a cloth thread, whereas in Lachha, the dried stigmas are packed loosely in air-tight containers.
Benefits of GI tag
- Kashmir saffron is gaining more popularity in the export market with the GI tag, and will help farmers get the best remunerative quality.
- The tag will help Kashmir saffron to compete at the international level and with Iranian saffron, which has captured over 90% share of the world market and with which it faces a stiff competition.
- The tag will also boost the production of saffron, which has seen a steep decline by around 65% in 2018 and shrinking of the land under cultivation.
- The GI certification would also stop adulteration prevalent in the trade of Kashmir saffron.
