Lok Sabha Question No. 3650 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-17
Subject: Implementation of National Saffron Mission
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-3650

TO BE ANSWERED ON 17 TH  DECEMBER, 2024

## IMPLEMENTATION OF NATIONAL SAFFRON MISSION

3650. SHRI AGA SYED RUHULLAH MEHDI:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE क ृ िष एवं िकसान कʞाण मंũी be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is aware that saffron production in Kashmir has declined by 67.5 per cent between 2010-2023 despite the implementation of National Saffron Mission (NSM) and if so, the details thereof; (b) whether there are only 3 functional bore-wells have been constructed out of the required 128 bore-wells identified in the 2010 study by Sher-E-Kashmir University for saffron cultivation and if so, the reasons for this shortfall and the timeline for completing the remaining infrastructure; (c)  the  specific  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  address  challenges  of  climate change,  irrigation  infrastructure  and  environmental  degradation  affecting  saffron cultivation in Kashmir along with the outcomes achieved so far; and

- (d) whether the Government will consider ordering an enquiry into the implementation and effectiveness of NSM given the significant decline in production despite reported expenditure of Rs. 400 crores and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

कृ ͪष

एवं

ͩकसान

कãयाण

राÏय

मंğी

(SHRI RAMNATH THAKUR)

- (a): As  per  the  estimates  provided  by  the  Office  of  Financial  Commissioner (Revenue), UT of Jammu & Kashmir, the production of saffron in Jammu and Kashmir has decreased from 8.0 MT in 2010-11 to 2.7 MT in 2023-24 (3 rd  Advance Estimates). However, during the last one year from 2022-23 to 2023-24, the saffron production has increased by 8%.
- (b): As per the information received from the Agriculture Production Department of UT of Jammu & Kashmir, 85 bore wells with sprinkler irrigation systems have been commissioned and are reportedly functional.

(c): The  Department  of  Agriculture  and  Farmers  Welfare  implemented  National Saffron Mission from 2010-11 for the overall development of Saffron sector in Jammu & Kashmir with the following broad objectives to address various challenges including challenges of climate change, irrigation infrastructure and environmental degradation affecting saffron cultivation in Kashmir.

-  Rejuvenation/ Replanting of existing saffron area for improving productivity
-  Support for creation of irrigation facilities
-  Production of planting materials (Public sector nurseries)
-  Enhancing product quality through improved post harvest handling
-  Mechanisation
-  Weather station/e-trading/spot exchange/quality testing and ISo certification
-  Infrastructure development of public farms
-  Transfer of technologies and Human Resource Development.

The India International Kashmir Saffron Trading Centre (IIKSTC) and subsequent  introduction  of  e-auction  facility  provided  a  one-stop  solution  to  the farmers  from  stigma  separation  to  e-marketing  under  one  roof  ensuring  seamless convenience and better price realisation.

Several steps were also taken by the UT Administration of Jammu & Kashmir to address these challenges as under:

-  Jammu  and  Kashmir  Water  Resources  (Regulation  and  Management)  Act, 2010 and State Action Plan on Climate Change
-  Research and development to create varieties of saffron that are more resilient to environmental challenges
-  Environmental regulations to mitigate the impact of industries on saffron fields

(d): Government has not ordered any enquiry into the implementation of National Saffron Mission.

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