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| Growing urbanization to threaten Saffron industry in Pampore belt | | | Early Times Report
Srinagar, May 1 :With growing urbanization in Pampore belt of Pulwama district in South Kashmir the Saffron industry is facing grave threat in the state as Government has failed to put standing laws into practice to stop constructions on the saffron land.
The much talked about National Saffron Mission is likely to face the rough weather in this belt in case the rapid urbanization is not contained and serious steps are not taken by the Government in this regard.
The Central Government funded Rs 272 crore Safforn project can fail to yield results in case the Immediate steps of banning construction on the land are not implemented feel saffron growers in the state. It is highly intriguing that the Government instead of implementing the ban on conversion of saffron land for construction of commercial and residential complexes it has constructed buildings on the land meant for research on Saffron by SKUAST Kashmir. The authorities who are at the helm of affairs in implementing the ban on constructions when themselves indulge in constructing complexes of saffron land how can they stop the business houses and other people from making constructions on this land, alleged growers. Though total area of Saffron land as per revenue records in the Pampore belt is 3200 hectares but on ground maximum area has been converted into construction of houses and commercial complexes by highly influential people in the area with impunity. Another threat is faced by Saffron industry is excavation of Saffron land as a component of the same is sued for formation of cement in the near by cement factories in the area whose number has also increased during last one decade. Besides mushrooming of cement and stone crushers is also adding to the pollution and affecting the cultivation of saffron in the area, said growers.
Out of 272 crore central grant under Saffron mission, the state has spent only 25 crore during last two years.
The allocation for 2012-2013 has been fixed as Rs 50 crore. One thousand hectares of land have been kept under rejuvenation component in this mission for 2012-13.
Recently Shailender Kumar Director DAC Government of India who visited Saffron belt in Pampore area and issued on spot directions to state authorities for formal handing over and taking over of land for Saffron park and Quality Testing lab at Dussu and same be furnished to National Horticulture Board in order to enable the construction work on park and lab.
During the deliberations it was also proposed that 72 tube wells should be taken up for construction to provide timely irrigation facilities to the saffron.
There has however been cent percent achievement in vermin compost units and in demonstration plots during 2011. The Mission could revolutionize the saffron industry provided the conversion of the land is stopped by Government. |
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