Minister for Horticulture, Haj and Auqaf, Mr. Abdul Rehman Veeri today described Kashmir saffron as the International brand for which he said state government is making concerted efforts to enhance the yield for the benefit of growers.
Speaking at the Saffron Festival Kong Vear at Lethpora here, Mr. Veeri said Kashmiri saffron is popular all over the world like other products. He said under the National Saffron Mission government has introduced several measures to boost the saffron production through technological interventions, technological support and irrigation facilities. He said state government had also taken up the issue of extension of National Saffron Mission by two more years and Union government has positively responded to the request of the State government in this regard.
Mr. Veeri said that department is also expanding saffron cultivation in other districts of the State having similar agro conditions as are available at Pampore in district Pulwama.
The event was organized jointly by Department of Tourism and Funtoosh at Lethpore Pampore to celebrate saffron harvest season in the State. The event was organized in open saffron fields and witnessed huge participation of tourists, growers and local people.
Famous Kashmiri zaffrani Kehwa and traditional zaffrani dishes were also served to add to the taste of the event.
Later a cultural evening enthralled the audience with the famous theatre play featuring emperor Yousuf Shah Chak narrating his love for saffron during full moon nights and was followed by other Kashmiri musical performances. The event was sponsored by JK Tourism and Kehwah On wheels.
