Kashmir Saffron Yield Rises Over 15% Following Previous Season's Low

Farmers in Kashmir's primary saffron-growing regions have reported a relative improvement in production as the harvest season draws to a close. The yield for the current season has increased by over 15 percent compared with the previous year, offering some respite to growers following an exceptionally poor harvest.

Saffron cultivation in the region is concentrated in the highlands of Pampore in south Kashmir—often referred to as the saffron town—and parts of Budgam district. The harvest began approximately two weeks ago. The region accounts for approximately 97 percent of India's total saffron production and serves as an important source of livelihood for around 20,000 to 25,000 families.

Last year's harvest faced severe declines, with production dropping to nearly 5 percent of normal output. Growers noted that the sharp drop raised serious concerns regarding the future viability of the crop in the region, which typically yields around 13 to 14 tonnes annually.

Despite this season's relative recovery, cultivation continues to face obstacles stemming from erratic weather patterns and climate change. Growers experienced distress earlier in the year due to low snowfall in January, followed by a prolonged dry spell lasting through August and the first two weeks of September. Farmers expressed concern that the lack of soil moisture would negatively impact corm development and vegetative growth.

Conditions shifted when scant rainfall arrived during the third week of September, providing essential moisture ahead of the flowering and harvesting phases and allowing the crop to recover partially. Saffron remains heavily dependent on climatic conditions, with timely rainfall and adequate soil moisture acting as critical determinants of overall yield.

While the production increase has brought short-term relief, local growers emphasized that a single better season is insufficient to resolve the long-term structural and environmental challenges facing the sector. Ensuring the ongoing sustainability of saffron cultivation will rely heavily on favorable weather conditions and targeted measures to counteract climate variability in the future.

"The 15 percent rebound in Kashmir's saffron yield highlights the resilience of local farmers after a severe downturn last year. However, agricultural businesses dependent on climate-sensitive crops must build resilience against erratic weather patterns. Long-term commercial sustainability in this sector requires proactive investments in irrigation, modern farming infrastructure, and climate adaptation strategies to protect growers from recurring environmental uncertainties." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes