The Kashmiri saffron is famous across the world and Jammu and Kashmir is the second largest producer. Now, the state government aims to further boost saffron production with its new export policy.

The government has shortlisted 60 countries where the demand for Kashmiri saffron is huge.

Saffron, also known as red gold, is one of the most expensive spices in the world. Currently, saffron is cultivated on only 4,000 hectares of land. Experts say that Kashmiri saffron is one of the best in quality and with the implementation of the new export policy, it has the potential to beat the Iranian saffron.

The Department of Agriculture says that within the next two months, the new export policy would be implemented and will provide a big boost for the saffron growers of the valley.&nbsp;

''The saffron from Kashmir Valley is famous. One of the reasons why is it considered the best in quality is because of the favourable climatic conditions it is grown in. While we have been working on increasing the production of saffron, we are also focussing on the export policy, wherein&nbsp;we shortlisted countries where we can sell our produce. Dubai, America and Israel are one of the largest buyers of Kashmir saffron,'' said Chowdhary Mohammad Iqbal, Director, the Department of Agriculture, Kashmir.&nbsp;

Saffron is used in cosmetics, food, and medicines, and is also used for rituals. After the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, symbolising its exclusivity in the international market, the prices for Kashmiri saffron have grown tremendously. Earlier, it used to sell for 60,000 rupees, whereas now it fetches around Rs 2,50,000.

Since the last decade, the area under the saffron cultivation has shrunk from 5,000 hectares to 4000. And around 90 per cent of the cultivation comes from the Pampore area of Pulwama district.&nbsp;Under the new export policy, the government has identified other districts where the land is suitable for saffron farming.

''The data does show that the saffron cultivation area has shrunk, but what we are doing is slowly expanding in the other areas. We want to secure the heritage crop and make sure to increase the space and identify those areas which have the best climatic conditions for the cultivation of saffron,'' Iqbal said.&nbsp;

The government hopes that with the new export policy, more people take up saffron cultivation.&nbsp;

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The Kashmiri saffron is famous across the world and Jammu and Kashmir is the second largest producer. Now, the state government aims to further boost saffron production with its new export policy.

The Kashmiri saffron is famous across the world and Jammu and Kashmir is the second largest producer. Now, the state government aims to further boost saffron production with its new export policy. The government has shortlisted 60 countries where the demand for Kashmiri saffron is huge. Saffron, also known as red gold, is one of the most expensive spices in the world. Currently, saffron is cultivated on only 4,000 hectares of land. Experts say that Kashmiri saffron is one of the best in quality and with the implementation of the new export policy, it has the potential to beat the Iranian saffron. The Department of Agriculture says that within the next two months, the new export policy would be implemented and will provide a big boost for the saffron growers of the valley. ''The saffron from Kashmir Valley is famous. One of the reasons why is it considered the best in quality is because of the favourable climatic conditions it is grown in. While we have been working on increasing the production of saffron, we are also focussing on the export policy, wherein we shortlisted countries where we can sell our produce. Dubai, America and Israel are one of the largest buyers of Kashmir saffron,'' said Chowdhary Mohammad Iqbal, Director, the Department of Agriculture, Kashmir. Saffron is used in cosmetics, food, and medicines, and is also used for rituals. After the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, symbolising its exclusivity in the international market, the prices for Kashmiri saffron have grown tremendously. Earlier, it used to sell for 60,000 rupees, whereas now it fetches around Rs 2,50,000. Since the last decade, the area under the saffron cultivation has shrunk from 5,000 hectares to 4000. And around 90 per cent of the cultivation comes from the Pampore area of Pulwama district. Under the new export policy, the government has identified other districts where the land is suitable for saffron farming. ''The data does show that the saffron cultivation area has shrunk, but what we are doing is slowly expanding in the other areas. We want to secure the heritage crop and make sure to increase the space and identify those areas which have the best climatic conditions for the cultivation of saffron,'' Iqbal said. The government hopes that with the new export policy, more people take up saffron cultivation. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Under new export policy, Kashmiri saffron to be exported to over 60 countries

Authentic&nbsp;Geographical Indication (GI) tagged&nbsp;Kashmiri saffron is now&nbsp;available in the United Arab Emirates.

"Kashmir saffron" was given the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Indian Government in May 2020. GI tag is given to products as a sign to show the specific geographical origin.

It was launched in UAE markets during the two-day UAE-India Food Security Summit 2020. The Summit was attended by over 200 importers, exporters, investors, and businessmen from the food and allied sectors.

A 20-member strong business delegation from J&amp;K led by Union territory's Principal Secretary (Agriculture) participated at the Summit along with a display of food products from J&amp;K.

The saffron was officially launched by Principal Secretary (Agriculture), Government of Jammu &amp; Kashmir Navin K. Choudhary &amp; India's consul general to Dubai Aman Puri at one of the biggest retail chains of the country Al Maya Group.

Navin said,"grateful that our consulate general Aman Puri who got this tie-up done. The first time, after Kashmir Saffron got GI Certification..this export has taken place...and export will happen to UAE's other city"

Kashmiri saffron known as Zafran is a well-known product of the Union territory and the launch gives it outreach to global markets. Export of agricultural and food products from India to the UAE currently stands at USD 2.2 billion.

Work is on for a UAE - India Food Corridor Projects in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat that will increase agriculture export to $ 6-7 Billion. Last year saw Kashmir Apples at Saudi Investment Summit in Riyadh due to tie up by companies in the region.

Authentic Geographical Indication (GI) tagged Kashmiri saffron is now available in the United Arab Emirates. "Kashmir saffron" was given the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Indian Government in May 2020.

Authentic Geographical Indication (GI) tagged Kashmiri saffron is now available in the United Arab Emirates. "Kashmir saffron" was given the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Indian Government in May 2020. GI tag is given to products as a sign to show the specific geographical origin. It was launched in UAE markets during the two-day UAE-India Food Security Summit 2020. The Summit was attended by over 200 importers, exporters, investors, and businessmen from the food and allied sectors. A 20-member strong business delegation from J&K led by Union territory's Principal Secretary (Agriculture) participated at the Summit along with a display of food products from J&K. The saffron was officially launched by Principal Secretary (Agriculture), Government of Jammu & Kashmir Navin K. Choudhary & India's consul general to Dubai Aman Puri at one of the biggest retail chains of the country Al Maya Group. Navin said,"grateful that our consulate general Aman Puri who got this tie-up done. The first time, after Kashmir Saffron got GI Certification..this export has taken place...and export will happen to UAE's other city" Kashmiri saffron known as Zafran is a well-known product of the Union territory and the launch gives it outreach to global markets. Export of agricultural and food products from India to the UAE currently stands at USD 2.2 billion. Work is on for a UAE - India Food Corridor Projects in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat that will increase agriculture export to $ 6-7 Billion. Last year saw Kashmir Apples at Saudi Investment Summit in Riyadh due to tie up by companies in the region.

Now, authentic GI tagged Kashmiri saffron available in UAE

Geographical indication is a name or mark given to products, agriculture, natural and manufactured products (sweets, handicrafts, and industrial goods) of a particular region (country or state or a town).

Harvesting world's most expensive spice; High hopes from Geographical Indication tag