A quiet revolution is taking place in the saffron fields of Pampore with the farmers of the major saffron growing villages of the historic tehsil showing keen interest in rejuvenating the fields which have been the lifeline of the region.
The revivalist drive which has seen the Jammu and Kashmir Comprehensive Investment Plan backing it up, is indeed heartening.
The number of growers who have come out to participate in the on-going programme is indeed praiseworthy as is evident from the fact that, though around 610 Kanals were put under replanting last year, the figure is expected to touch double this number this season.
What is more, the enthusiasm of those growers who have seen their fields going down and decided to give it another shot, is also coming through in full force.
The initiative that provides for monetary and managerial support is being well-received by the target audience.
Not only are the growers getting a good amount paid for every Kanal put under replanting, the human hours required in this laborious work are also being looked after by the Agriculture Department.
The technical support rendered by the officials of the department in guiding them in terms of corm selection, planting, depth, spacing and other allied activities, is also helping the latter in overcoming their ignorance on the subject.
The much-needed support at a time when they were feeling let down by the rising costs, lack of manpower and poor yields, is helping them to a great extent.
The farmers themselves are also giving the revival programme a good review.
The saffron that is being cultivated in Pampore is not just a crop for these people but also part of the region’s legacy and the efforts to boost its production through such means can never be ruled out as these would help in keeping the next generation of growers motivated.
This is, in fact, a true rejuvenation exercise.
It is not only the corms that are being planted in the Pampore soils but also hope for a better tomorrow for Kashmir’s ‘Red Gold’. The efforts in this regard, therefore, need to be supported.
