Kashmiri Saffron Cultivation — Pampore Kashmir

Pampore near Srinagar, J&K is the only place in India where saffron (Crocus sativus) is cultivated — at 1,600m altitude on well-drained karewa (loess plateau) soils. Corms planted in June–July flower in October–November. Stigmas are hand-plucked in early morning, dried in shade, and packed. Kashmiri saffron (Mongra variety) is the world's most expensive spice — ₹2.5–4 lakh/kg — due to intense aroma and high picrocrocin content. GI-tagged. India exports to Middle East, Europe, and USA. KVIB saffron cooperative provides corm loans, storage, and market access to 4,000+ Pampore farmers. Protected status under GI Act.