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| Steps afoot to cultivate Saffron on Scientific lines- Zargar | | Saffron expert Dr. Koul on 4-day visit | | SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 04 (INFO) – Minister for Agriculture, Cooperation, Sericulture and Fisheries Mr. Abdul Aziz Zargar has underlined the need for boosting the Saffron crop on scientific lines to meet the modern day challenges.
The Minister was addressing a high level officers meeting of Agriculture department and Sher-I-Kashmir University of Agriculture Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) here today. The meeting was attended by Ex-Vice Chancellor, Assam Agriculture University and Chief Consultant from Government of India Dr. G.L. Koul, Director Agriculture Mr. Ghulam Hyder Bhat, Director research, SKUAST, Mr. Tragi and others officers of Agriculture department related to Saffron cultivation.
Mr. Zargar said that in order to encourage Saffron growers to grow more and more Saffron at Pampore and other conducive areas and also to provide sprinkling irrigation facilities, genetically improved quality seed material and also incentives to growers, a comprehensive project of Rs. 102 Crore was submitted to Government of India in the year 2005. Union Government after proper study recommended the case to Food and Agriculture Organization (F&AO) for further necessary action. Mr. Zargar said F&AO deputed Chief Consultant Dr. G.L. Koul to the state, who would see the conditions conducive for revival of Saffron. Dr. Koul is here on a 4-day visit during which he conducted a meeting of scientists at SKUAST yesterday. The meeting was attended by Saffron experts from Iran, who shared their experiences of Saffron cultivation with local scientists.
Today Mr. Koul accompanied by Director Agriculture, Director Research SKUAST and other experts conducted field inspection of Saffron fields and Research Station at Konibal. Dr. Koul is expected to submit a comprehensive report to F&AO for adoption of technology and also to make it highly remunerable and profitable.
Mr. Zargar pinned hopes in Dr. Koul to help the state government in revival of this heritage Saffron, as Dr. Koul is a local and most dedicated Scientist.
Mr. Zargar appealed the Saffron growers not sell out their cultivable land for industrial and residential purposes. He assured the growers that state government as well as Central Government shall not leave any stone unturned in helping growers to produce more and more quality Saffron and improve the economic conditions of the Saffron growers.
Later, the Minister reviewed the progress in respect of Lillium harvest at Nunar Farm. Director Agriculture apprised the Minister about the pace of harvesting of Lillium, grading and about the steps taken by the government for preservation of Lillium in cold storage conditions. |
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