Saffron fields soak up hope as Kashmir gets good August rains

The useful part

Amid shrinking farmland and declining yields, saffron growers in Kashmir are hoping that adequate rainfall in August will improve the quality and output of the prized spice this season. According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) data for June 1 to August 26, several districts in Kashmir recorded rainfall well above their normal levels. Baramulla recorded the highest surplus, receiving 269.7 mm of rainfall against a normal of 163.9 mm, marking a 65 per cent excess.

How it works

• Anantnag received 276.9 mm against a normal of 243.8 mm, registering a 14 per cent excess, while Bandipora recorded a similar 14 per cent surplus, with 192.2 mm against 168.2 mm.
• Farmers, however, said rainfall in September would be particularly important for vegetative growth and nutrient uptake.
• Pulwama received 235.2 mm, 56 per cent above normal, while Ganderbal recorded 299.8 mm, a 50 per cent surplus.
• Srinagar also recorded above-normal rainfall at 226.5 mm against a normal of 186.2 mm, marking a 22 per cent surplus.
• "September rainfall is more crucial for vegetative growth and nutrient uptake," said Ali Mohammad, another saffron farmer.

What to take from it

He said growers were hoping for better quality and a stronger harvest after a poor season last year. Saffron growers in Kashmir have struggled in recent years with a combination o...

Details worth keeping

"Last year, production was merely 10 per cent," a group of farmers said.