About Saffron

• Saffron, also known as “red gold,” is one of the world’s most expensive spice, prized for its unique flavor, aroma, and color.

• Saffron originates from the dried stigma of Crocus sativus flower.

• The stigma is part of the female reproductive system of a flower. It is found in the center of a flower and helps to collect pollen

Global production

• Iran is the largest producer of saffron, accounting for 90 percent of the total saffron production in the world, followed by India, Spain and Greece respectively.

Kashmir Saffron

• • Kashmir saffron is cultivated and harvested in the Karewa (highlands) of Jammu and Kashmir.

• It is the only saffron in the world grown at an altitude of 1,600 m to 1,800 m above mean sea level.

• Pampore region, commonly known as Saffron bowl of Kashmir, is the main contributor to saffron production.
  • Pampore Saffron Heritage of Kashmir is one of the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage systems (GIAHS) recognised sites in India.
• The unique characteristics of Kashmir saffron are its longer and thicker stigmas, natural deep-red colour, high aroma,  and high quantity of crocin (a compound that gives saffron its color and aroma).

Climatic conditions for Kashmiri saffron

• Ideal temperature

• It requires explicit climatological summer and winter with temperatures ranging from not more than 35 or 40 degree Celsius in summer to about –15 or –20 degree Celsius in winter.

• Soil conditions

• It thrives well in calcareous (soil that has calcium carbonate in abundance) and well-drained soil with a pH between 6 and 8.

• Rainfall

• It requires adequate rainfall that is 1000-1500 mm per annum.

Why in news?

• • Cement dust produced from cement factories is affecting Kashmir’s saffron production.
  • Cement dust, which primarily contains nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, gets accumulated on the flowers, impacting the growth, quality and quantity of saffron.

• It also results in decreased chlorophyll, clogged stomata in leaves, interrupted light absorption , inducing early leaf fall and resulting in stunted growth.