Pampore, 4 Feb: A comprehensive interactive session with saffron growers, scientists and the officers of India International Kashmir Saffron Trade Centre was held at India International Kashmir Saffron Trading centre Dussoo.
While inaugurating the event Director Agriculture Kashmir Chowdhary Mohammad Iqbal said that the main objective of conducting such an interactive program was to acquaint the officers and scientists of the centre with the latest trends regarding quality control and marketing of Saffron, and to listen and redress the grievances of the Saffron growers for safeguarding their interests. He further said that the Department is working to provide a comprehensive, multi dimensional marketing models in Saffron trading at IIKSTC.
Chowdhary applauded the officers for getting GI registration for Saffron and said it can encourage and motivate the marketers to expand their business at a global level, furthermore the protection of Geographical Indications boosts exports and helps the farmers to get best remuneration for their economic sustainability.
Director said that e-auctioning facility created by the Department aims at providing platform to the buyers to have access to quality “Kashmir Saffron and will help saffron growers for getting optimum returns of their yield which will ultimately boost the economy of the saffron growers without the interference of intermediaries. He further added that the buyers will be assured that the saffron purchased through this platform will be tested certified quality produce..
Later Saffron growers raised certain issues which were given a patient hearing by the Director and assured them that their genuine issues will be addressed at an earliest.
Joint Director Agriculture Extension Mohammad Muzaffer Hurrra, Joint Director Agriculture Farm/Spices and Medicinal Plants Qounsar Parveen, Administrator IIKSTC Mohammad Muzzffer Shuja, Chief Technical Officer to Director Agriculture Kashmir Sheikh Farhan Qadir and other officers and a large gathering of Saffron growers participated in the interactive meet.