Pampore, October 23, 2025 – As autumn paints the Kashmir Valley in shades of gold and purple, the saffron season has officially arrived in Pampore, the renowned Saffron Town of Jammu & Kashmir. Fields sprawling across the karewa plateaus are alive with the delicate Crocus sativus flowers, their vibrant blooms releasing an intoxicating fragrance that draws farmers, families, and tourists alike. Dubbed the “red gold” for its unparalleled value—fetching over Rs. 3.25 lakh per kilogram—this precious spice remains a cornerstone of the region’s economy and culture, sustaining over 16,000 families and symbolizing Kashmir’s rich heritage.This year’s harvest, commencing in late October and expected to peak through mid-November, signals a promising turnaround after years of challenges posed by climate variability, land encroachment, and erratic weather. Favorable conditions, including timely rains, cool nights, and optimal soil moisture, have sparked hopes for a bumper crop, potentially the best in nearly a decade.
“The purple waves across our fields are a sight to behold this season. After lean years, nature has blessed us with abundance, breathing new life into our livelihoods,” shared veteran farmer Abdul Ahad Rather from Pampore’s Lethpora village, where families meticulously pluck flowers at dawn and separate the crimson stigmas by hand—a labor-intensive tradition passed down generations.Pampore, accounting for nearly 90% of India’s saffron production, stands as the epicenter of this annual spectacle. The harvest transforms the landscape into a tourist haven, with visitors flocking to witness the intricate process: from flower collection in wicker baskets to sun-drying on white cloths. The Saffron Research Station in Pampore, India’s sole dedicated center, plays a pivotal role, offering guidance on cultivation, post-harvest management, and rejuvenation under the National Saffron Mission (NSM). “With yields potentially reaching 5 kg per hectare in revitalized plots, this season could boost production to 15-17 tons, easing the gap between our 10-12 ton output and the national demand of 50 tons,” noted Dr. Bashir Ahmad Ilahi, Head of the station.Yet, the “red gold” faces ongoing threats. Cultivation area has dwindled from 5,700 hectares in the late 1990s to about 3,700 hectares today, largely due to unplanned urbanization and industrial pollution from nearby cement factories.
The GI tag awarded in 2020 has enhanced market value and authenticity, aiding farmers through the Saffron Park established in 2014, which now processes harvests for over 500 growers. Government interventions, including irrigation upgrades and research into climate-resilient varieties, aim to safeguard this legacy.Beyond economics, saffron weaves deeply into Kashmiri culture, featured in traditional cuisine, festivals, and even ancient Persian lore dating back 3,000 years. The annual Saffron Festival promises cultural performances, handicraft exhibitions, and hands-on harvesting experiences, further promoting agritourism in the valley. As the fields bloom, Pampore reaffirms its status as a global beacon of excellence, where fragile flowers yield enduring prosperity and pride.
