ZT News Network
Pampore: In a first, Kashmir Saffron trading has gone formally online with its Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The trading portal gikashmirsaffron.com has gone online, which provides buyers and sellers a range of trading options.
With its own GI tag, the trading of Kashmir Saffron is expected to overcome the challenges of duplication and adulteration lately found in trading practices in open markets.
“The Department of Agriculture under the aegis of India International Kashmir Saffron Trading Centre (IIKSTC), contemplates to promote trading of GI-tagged Kashmir Saffron through a pan-India e-Auction portal”, Director Agriculture Kashmir Altaf Aijaz Andrabi said today at Dusoo Pampore while launching the website.
“E-auctioning will provide an efficient platform to the saffron growers for getting optimum returns of their yield which will ultimately boost the economy of this area without the interference of intermediaries”, the director said.
The Director, while congratulating the saffron growers, further added that the buyers will be assured that the saffron purchased through this platform will be “tested certified quality produce.”
He also “stressed upon the officers involved with e auctioning to conduct awareness among key businessmen, market linkage experts, in order to acquaint them regarding the various facilities being provided at IIKSTC especially e- auction market.”
Asking the saffron growers of Kashmir valley and buyers across India to register themselves as SELLERS and BUYERS for E- Trading on the E- Auction portal www.gikashmirsaffron.com, he said it is expected to be a hassle free e-trading platform between registered growers and registered buyers.