Reviving Kashmir’s Saffron Heritage: Why Operationalising Bore Wells is Key to Sustaining Pampore’s Saffron Cultivation
The Essence of Kashmir’s Saffron Heritage
In South Kashmir’s Pulwama district, the historic town of Pampore is celebrated as the “Saffron Town” of India. Known for producing one of the world’s finest varieties of saffron, Pampore has been home to this heritage crop for centuries. The vibrant purple flowers and the precious red threads harvested from them are central to Kashmir’s economy and cultural identity. However, this legacy faces significant challenges due to shifting weather patterns and limited irrigation facilities, putting the future of saffron farming in Pampore at risk.
In recent years, local saffron farmers have experienced an unpredictable climate, with prolonged dry spells affecting saffron yields. Despite the government’s initiatives under the National Saffron Mission (NSM), bore wells dug nearly 14 years ago to ensure irrigation remain non-functional. Farmers are now calling on the government to make these bore wells operational, arguing that sustainable irrigation could not only stabilise production but also help attract younger generations back to saffron farming.
The Decline of Saffron Yield in Pampore
Saffron cultivation in Pampore heavily depends on timely rains during the flowering period, particularly in August and September. In recent years, rainfall patterns have become unpredictable, leading to prolonged dry spells that directly impact saffron yields. This season, farmers reported a notable reduction in saffron flower production, with many citing inadequate and delayed rainfall as a key reason.
Ghulam Ahmad Ganie, a saffron farmer from Pampore, shared his disappointment, comparing this year’s yield to the previous year’s production. According to Ganie, the lack of rainfall and the absence of functional irrigation systems have severely impacted his crop. “The government set up bore wells years ago, but without activation, they are of no use. We cannot irrigate our fields, leaving us vulnerable to climate variations,” he explained. His concerns echo across Pampore, as farmers watch their once-thriving saffron fields struggle under the weight of changing weather patterns.
National Saffron Mission and the Bore Wells Initiative
Under the National Saffron Mission, launched in the early 2010s, bore wells were established across Pampore and nearby villages to provide reliable irrigation to saffron fields. The initiative aimed to make Pampore’s saffron cultivation more resilient by introducing modern irrigation techniques to help offset climate challenges. The government invested in these bore wells as part of a larger plan to revitalise the saffron industry and increase productivity.
However, despite the efforts and resources allocated to the project, these bore wells have not been made operational. According to Mohammad Iqbal Khan, Chief Agriculture Officer of Pulwama, the bore wells were completed in line with the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the NSM. Khan mentioned that around 77 bore wells are currently functional, yet many farmers have not taken ownership of these wells, which is required to start using them. Without a reliable water source, farmers are left reliant on natural rainfall, which has become increasingly unpredictable in recent years.
Farmers’ Struggles and Their Plea for Support
For Pampore’s saffron farmers, the inoperable bore wells represent more than just a missed opportunity—they are a symbol of ongoing struggles and unfulfilled promises. The lack of irrigation is not only reducing yields but is also affecting the economic viability of saffron farming. Mohammad Arfat Ganie, another local farmer, shared his frustration over this situation. His family has been cultivating saffron for generations, yet he fears that without assured irrigation, the tradition may not continue.
“Many youths are moving away from saffron cultivation due to low returns,” Arfat explained. The uncertainty surrounding saffron farming income has discouraged younger generations from taking up the trade, threatening the continuity of Pampore’s saffron heritage. Arfat and other farmers are calling on the government to operationalise the bore wells as soon as possible. For them, this step could help reverse the trend of declining interest in saffron farming by making it a more secure and profitable livelihood option.
The Impact of Climate Change on Saffron Cultivation
Saffron is a crop that is sensitive to weather conditions, and any fluctuation in temperature, rainfall, or humidity can drastically impact its growth. In Kashmir, changing weather patterns have created new challenges for saffron farmers, making traditional farming methods less effective. The prolonged dry spells that Pampore experienced this season are becoming more frequent, raising concerns about the long-term future of saffron cultivation in the region.
Irrigation plays a crucial role in maintaining saffron fields, especially when natural rainfall fails to provide the necessary moisture. Without functional irrigation systems, farmers have little control over water availability, making their crops vulnerable to unpredictable weather. As a result, the once-flourishing saffron industry in Pampore is now grappling with lower productivity and economic challenges.
The Labour-Intensive Nature of Saffron Farming
Saffron farming is not only sensitive to weather but is also labour-intensive, requiring meticulous care from planting to harvesting. Farmers work tirelessly under often harsh conditions, such as intense sunlight, to maintain their saffron fields. The process of extracting saffron threads is delicate and requires precision, adding to the time and effort required to produce even a small quantity of saffron.
Mohammad Ashraf Ganie, another local farmer, highlighted the physical demands of saffron farming, which are compounded by the low yields this year. “The yield this year is below expectations, and this makes the labour-intensive process even more difficult,” Ashraf shared, underscoring how the lack of irrigation adds an extra burden to an already challenging task. For these farmers, activating the bore wells or providing support to establish private wells would be a lifeline, helping them to improve productivity and make their efforts worthwhile.
Addressing the Ownership Issue of Bore Wells
One of the main reasons the bore wells remain unused is a lack of clear ownership. While the NSM installed the bore wells, the project anticipated that farmers would take ownership and assume responsibility for their maintenance. However, this transfer of ownership has not happened in many cases, leaving the bore wells inactive.
Chief Agriculture Officer Mohammad Iqbal Khan pointed out that the bore wells are functional and available for use, provided that farmers take ownership. However, the farmers argue that they lack the resources to maintain and operationalise these wells independently. Some have suggested that the government should offer additional support to help them manage the bore wells or provide alternative funding to encourage shared ownership among farming communities.
The Broader Implications for Pampore’s Saffron Heritage
The challenges facing Pampore’s saffron farmers extend beyond individual livelihoods, impacting the entire region’s cultural and economic identity. Saffron farming has deep roots in Kashmir, and the crop is cherished both locally and globally for its unique flavour, aroma, and health benefits. However, without a sustainable irrigation solution, Pampore risks losing its reputation as India’s saffron capital.
The departure of younger generations from saffron farming highlights a broader issue of rural-to-urban migration driven by economic hardships. As more youths seek alternative careers, Pampore’s saffron heritage faces the threat of decline. Farmers like Arfat are concerned that, if left unchecked, this trend could irreversibly alter the cultural fabric of their community.
Proposed Solutions and Future Steps
To address the irrigation challenges in Pampore, several steps could be considered. First, the government could prioritise the operationalisation of existing bore wells, either by providing subsidies or technical support to help farmers activate them. Alternatively, farmers could be offered assistance in building private wells or other irrigation systems suited to their specific needs.
Another possible solution is the formation of farmer cooperatives, where farmers collectively assume responsibility for bore well management. This approach could foster a sense of shared ownership and make it easier for farmers to access the necessary resources. By collaborating, farmers could also advocate more effectively for government support, ensuring their voices are heard.
Finally, creating awareness programs about the importance of irrigation and sustainable saffron farming could help attract younger generations back to the trade. By highlighting saffron farming as a viable and respected profession, these programs could counter the trend of youth migration and preserve Pampore’s saffron heritage for future generations.
Conclusion: A Call to Preserve Kashmir’s Saffron Legacy
Saffron farming in Pampore is not just an occupation; it is a centuries-old tradition that holds cultural, economic, and symbolic value. However, the challenges posed by climate change and inadequate irrigation infrastructure threaten the continuity of this heritage. As farmers struggle with declining yields and limited resources, they are urging the government to step in and activate the bore wells, offering them a reliable means of irrigation.
Addressing the concerns of Pampore’s saffron farmers is essential not only for safeguarding their livelihoods but also for preserving the rich heritage of Kashmir’s saffron. By providing the necessary support and ensuring sustainable farming practices, the government can help revive Pampore’s saffron industry and ensure that this legacy continues to thrive. For the farmers of Pampore, a functional irrigation system could be the key to revitalising saffron farming, securing their future, and passing down a cherished tradition to generations to come.
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