The pride of Jammu and Kashmir – Kashmir saffron – a spice and health rejuvenator, has been given Geographical Indication (GI) tag, protecting the uniqueness of the farm produce. The application was filed by the Directorate of Agriculture, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, and facilitated by the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture Sciences and Technology, Kashmir, and Saffron...
The pride of Jammu and Kashmir – Kashmir saffron – a spice and health rejuvenator, has been given Geographical Indication (GI) tag, protecting the uniqueness of the farm produce. The application was filed by the Directorate of Agriculture, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, and facilitated by the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture Sciences and Technology, Kashmir, and Saffron Research Station, Dussu (Pampore).
The recognition has been formally published in the latest GI Journal by the GI Registry.
IPR attorney and GI specialist P Sanjai Gandhi who quoted the GI journal stated that the unique characteristics of Kashmir saffron are described as longer and thicker stigmas, natural deep-red colour of stigmas, high aroma, bitter flavour, chemical-free processing and high quantity of crocin (colouring strength), safranal (flavour) and picrocrocin (bitterness).
The spice is grown in some regions of Kashmir such as Pulwama, Budgam, Kishtwar and Srinagar.
Narrating the uniqueness of Kashmir saffron, the journal said: “Besides having high medicinal value, Kashmir saffron has been associated with traditional Kashmiri cuisine and represents the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir. The Kashmir saffron has gained its name over the ages due to its unique qualities such as high aroma, deep colour, long and thick threads (stigmas) which can be found only in the saffron grown and produced in Jammu and Kashmir.” Its distinguishing factor and uniqueness is attributed to the fact that it is the only saffron in the world to be grown at an altitude of 1600m to 1800m above sea level differentiating it from the other varieties of saffron world over.