Kashmiri Saffron Cultivation of Pampore

Kashmiri saffron from Pampore (Pamir) in Pulwama district is the world highest-grade saffron, distinguished by longer stigma length, higher crocin and safranal content, and the unique mesabi and mongra grades not found elsewhere. The Crocus sativus bulbs are planted in July, flower in October, and each flower must be hand-picked before sunrise. The three stigmas are extracted from each flower by hand on the same day. It takes approximately 150,000 flowers (500 grams of fresh stigmas) to produce 1 kilogram of dried saffron. Kashmiri saffron received GI certification and the first Indian saffron to receive European GI protection. Pampore is known as the saffron town. The crop faces threats from ground water depletion due to excess tubewell irrigation. About 5000 farming families cultivate saffron in Pulwama and Budgam districts. Premium Kashmiri saffron fetches Rs 200,000 to Rs 400,000 per kilogram internationally.