Jitin Prasada reviews operations at Indian International Saffron Trade Centre Pampore, discusses strategies to improve market linkages
PAMPORE: The Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Jitin Prasada, made a significant visit to the Indian International Saffron Trade Centre (IIKSTC) in Dusoo, Pampore, South Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Thursday. He was warmly received by Director of Trade Promotion Organization Khalid Jahangir, Director of Agriculture Kashmir Choudhary Mohammad Iqbal, and other officials from the Agriculture Department.
This visit underscores the government’s commitment to supporting the saffron industry and improving the livelihoods of farmers in the region. During his visit, Minister Prasada conducted a thorough review of the various operations at the processing unit, including stigma separation, drying, grading, packing, and the E-Auction Center.
Director of Agriculture Kashmir Choudhary Mohammad Iqbal and other officers briefed the minister on the advanced facilities and the comprehensive support provided to farmers by the unit.
Following the review, Prasada held an interactive meeting with Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and saffron farmers led by their head, Abdul Majeed Wani, to discuss strategies for promoting the saffron industry. The meeting was attended by key officials, including Director of the Spice Board of India Dr. A.R. Rema Shret, Director of Trade Promotion Organization Khalid Jahangir, Director of Agriculture Kashmir Choudhary Mohammad Iqbal, and other officials.
During the meeting, farmers presented several issues and demands, primarily focusing on market linkage problems and price fluctuations.
Speaking to Kashmir Reader, Director of the Spice Board of India, Dr. A.R. Rema Shret, said that this was Minister Prasada’s first visit to Jammu and Kashmir since taking charge as the Minister of State for Commerce and Industry. She emphasized that saffron growers and other stakeholders raised critical issues, particularly the market movement of their produce due to the import of Iranian saffron. Rema Shret assured that the Spice Board of India, responsible for saffron promotion and marketing, is actively working to address these concerns.
To support the saffron growers, Minister Prasada promised that the board would arrange an international buyer-seller meet in the coming months. This initiative aims to facilitate better market access for saffron producers from the region. Additionally, the minister insisted on the participation of these farmers in international trade meets taking place in Delhi and nearby locations, thereby opening new avenues for market expansion.
Speaking to Kashmir Reader, Director of Agriculture Kashmir Choudhary Mohammad Iqbal expressed optimism about the government’s initiatives. He highlighted that Minister Prasada’s visit was aimed at exploring ways to further facilitate the market for saffron. The minister reviewed the testing facility at IIKSTC and engaged in discussions with saffron growers to promote the industry. “I am hopeful that with such initiatives by the government, Kashmiri saffron will secure an assured international market, benefiting the farmers,” Iqbal stated.
Local farmer Javid Ahmad also shared his perspective on the visit. He appreciated the Spice Board of India’s role in facilitating the meeting with the Minister of State for Commerce and Industry. Javid said that the primary focus of the meeting was to discuss strategies to revive the saffron industry in Kashmir. After listening attentively to the farmers’ suggestions, Minister Prasada instructed the Director of Agriculture Kashmir and the Managing Director of the Trade Promotion Organization to arrange a meeting between saffron growers and major buyers from across the country and the world. He emphasized that such interactions would be crucial in establishing strong market linkages for the promotion of saffron.
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