Kashmir’s saffron farmers fear losses as most fields remain bare due to rising

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Farmers say that an almost snowless winter, followed by a prolonged dry spell in September and the first two weeks of October, had taken a toll on saffron crop

By Gulzar Bhat

Updated - October 26, 2026 at 05:52 PM. | Srinagar:

On October 4, Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 31.2°C, the second-highest October temperature recorded since 1935 | Photo Credit: ANI

Carrying a wicker basket, Irshad Ahmad went to his saffron field on Monday morning to harvest the crop. He decided, however, to wait a few more days, as barely any flowers were visible across his farm, which sprawls over several kanals in the Patlibagh area of south Kashmir’s Pampore.

By this time of year, saffron fields would normally be carpeted with purple flowers, ready to be picked during the brief harvest season.

“We fear the crop may have failed this year,” Ahmad said.

Farmers said an almost snowless winter, followed by a prolonged dry spell in September and the first two weeks of October, had taken a toll on the crop. “Moisture in October is crucial for saffron, but Kashmir witnessed an unusual rise in temperatures during the first week of the month,” said Abdul Rasheed, another farmer.

On October 4, Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 31.2°C, the second-highest October temperature recorded since 1935.

Supporting growth

Winter snowfall replenishes soil moisture, while cold conditions help meet the spice’s chilling requirements and support the crop’s seasonal development and corm growth. 

“The crop is sensitive to fluctuations in temperature and moisture, and irregular precipitation can affect flowering and yields”, an agriculture expert said.

In 2010, the government introduced a drip irrigation system under the ₹412 crore National saffron Mission to tackle prolonged dry spells, but the initiative failed to take off completely.

Ali Mohammad, another farmer, however, expected a better yield from his field, which he had irrigated several times during the season.

“I dug a well in my field and irrigated it from time to time. We have started picking the flowers, and the yield is good,” he said.

Fearing poor harvest

If the harvest proves as poor as early signs suggest, it would mark another subdued season for saffron growers.

Last year, farmers reported yields of only 5 to 10 per cent of a normal crop.

Around 20,000 to 25,000 families in Kashmir depend on saffron cultivation, which typically produces 13–14 tonnes annually.

“We can only hope the flowers emerge in the coming days. The next few days will tell us how much of the crop has survived,” said a farmer said.

Published on October 26, 2026

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