SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Agriculture, Ghulam Hassan Mir today urged upon saffron growers and others associated with this trade to take maximum benefit from the National Saffron Mission (NSM) in the state.
Play your role to give new impetus for increasing production and productivity of the ‘Saffron’ across the state.
The Minister said this while addressing a Saffron Buyer-Seller meet organised by Agriculture Department at EDI complex today.
He said government has taken various initiatives for the revival and uplift of Saffron industry in the state.
He said in this regard to a Saffron Park which will be established at a cost of Rs 22.06 crore at Pampore for the promotion of Saffron Industry which will directly benefit the people related with the industry in the state.
Mr Mir said Saffron Park will be of first of its kind in the State which will be fully equipped with modern and scientific approaches.
He said the Park will provide all necessary facilities including collection and sorting of saffron flowers, quality control, marketing besides having the facility of E-Trading through which farmers, growers and traders can get associated with the park online.
The Minister said the state government in coordination with Central government is very much keen for the upliftment and upscaling of Saffron industry in J&K, adding that by adapting modern scientific methods and by development of infrastructure the Saffron industry of State will get new edge and boost so that people related with the industry are benefited socio-economically.
Mr Mir also said defective and improper handling of saffron flowers causes losses to the saffron production and its productivity for which Saffron Park will provide platform for minting its quality besides ensuring its increased productivity.
He said marketing sector is of prime concern and in this regard more marketing channels are being opened for the Saffron industry.
He hoped Saffron park will open new economic and developmental windows for the people.
He also urged upon farmers to think positive and play their role for the promotion and upliftment of Saffron Industry.
