Topic
saffron
Commodities Kashmir’s ‘Red Gold’ Faces New Threat from Saffron Corm Smuggling
Kashmir’s saffron industry is battling the illegal outflow of corms to Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, driven by higher prices and falling local yields. Production last year hit only about 10% of normal levels, while the area under saffron has declined by nearly 35% since 1996-97, prompting government conservation efforts.
Commodities Spices Board Explores Indoor Saffron Cultivation in Kerala as High-Value Agricultural Opportunity
India's Spices Board is exploring indoor saffron cultivation in Kerala as a high-value agricultural opportunity. Chairperson Sangeetha Viswanathan met Agriculture Minister T. Siddique to discuss promoting the initiative, addressing challenges like climate change and human-wildlife conflict, and expediting cardamom registration for farmers.
Commodities From Khorasan to Kashmir: Saffron Prices Surge Amid Global Supply Squeeze from West Asia Conflict
Kashmiri saffron prices have surged to ₹340-₹350/gm from ₹200-₹250/gm a year ago, driven by the West Asia conflict disrupting Iranian supplies — Iran accounts for 90% of global output — and a sharp decline in local Kashmir yields. Traders and the Saffron Growers Association report production fell to 5-10% of normal last year, pushing GI-tagged saffron to ₹380/gm and raising Iranian saffron prices to ₹190-₹200/gm. Prices are expected to remain firm amid continued supply chain uncertainty.