Topic
spices
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.
Manufacturing Udhampur Women's Spice Unit Advances India's Vocal for Local Push
Avilasha Salaria has launched a spice manufacturing unit in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, with support from the Government of India's MIDH scheme. The venture employs eight to ten local women, produces regional specialties like garlic powder and Tikki Masala, and is being hailed as a model for women entrepreneurship under the Vocal for Local initiative.