Kashmir saffron industry faces production crisis

The centuries-old saffron industry in Kashmir is facing a severe decline due to climate change, urbanization, and food fraud. Indian government data indicates that production across Kashmir and Jammu plummeted from eight tonnes in the 2010–11 season to just 2.6 tonnes in 2023–24.

Climate researchers and local growers report that changing weather patterns, including prolonged dry spells and reduced snowfall in the western Himalayas, have negatively impacted groundwater recharge and soil moisture. These shifts affect the development of corms and the critical two-to-four-week autumn flowering period.

In addition to environmental factors, the industry is struggling with infrastructure issues and commercial encroachment. While the Indian government launched the National Saffron Mission in 2010 to provide irrigation and rejuvenate crops, growers report that damaged pipelines and irregular water supplies continue to undermine these efforts. Furthermore, markets in Srinagar and Delhi are reportedly seeing imported saffron repackaged and sold as authentic Kashmiri produce.