8 months ago
Rainfall and Snowfall Boost Kashmir's Saffron and Tourism
Farmers in Kashmir who grow saffron, a special spice, were very happy because it rained after a long time without rain.
The dry weather was making their crops sad and not growing well.
The rain helped the crops and also made the soil wet again.
It also helped tourists because it snowed in the mountains, making it a nice place to visit.
The farmers are still careful because the weather can be unpredictable, but they are hopeful now.
The snowfall has also brought smiles to tourists and industry stakeholders, who are hoping for a revival of the tourism sector in Kashmir.
Rainfall after 24 hours of dry spell relieved saffron farmers in Pampore, Kashmir.
Prolonged dry weather threatened saffron crop development and future yields.
Rainfall and snowfall were recorded across Kashmir, with Gulmarg receiving the highest.
Saffron, known as 'red gold', is crucial for 16,000 families in the Valley.
Rainfall replenished soil moisture, eased water scarcity, and boosted winter tourism with increased tourist queries and bookings.
- Who
- Saffron farmers in Pampore, Kashmir and tourists in Gulmarg and Sonamarg
- What
- Rainfall and snowfall after a prolonged dry spell
- Where
- Kashmir, particularly Pampore, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg
- When
- Over the past 24 hours
- Why
- To relieve drought conditions, benefit saffron crops, and boost tourism
Key facts
- Location
- Kashmir, particularly Pampore and Gulmarg
- Rainfall Duration
- 24 hours
- Saffron Production
- 2.6-3.4 metric tonnes annually
- Families Dependent
- 16,000
- Highest Rainfall
- Gulmarg (24.4 mm)
- Snowfall
- Gulmarg (20 cm)
- Impact
- Replenished soil moisture, eased water scarcity, boosted winter tourism
- Tourism Impact
- Increased tourist queries and bookings
Quotes
Rauf Tramboo
Member of the Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK)
“Everyone was waiting for the snow. Its visuals have spread far and wide on the social media and tourist queries have increased which is encouraging. If it holds up, we’ll see a revival in the tourism sector in the coming days.”
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“Christmas bookings are good, and the queries for New Year’s Eve are also increasing, especially for Gulmarg. People are looking for popular packages. Even if we have about 30-40 per cent capacity, that will pave way for the main season.”
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Sangeeta
A tourist from Jaipur
“We are thrilled to see the snow. This experience is amazing. I am at loss of words to describe this magical experience.”
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“It feels lovely. Everyone here is jubilant now that it snowed. We feel lucky to be here.”
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Kartik
A tourist from Maharashtra
“We had planned our journey according to the forecast. It feels so good that our plan is a success.”
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“There is no issue of safety. It feels safe everywhere. We have had a very good experience so far. People should come here. Everyone is welcoming here, the people of Kashmir are very nice.”
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Asif Burza
A hotelier with properties in Srinagar, Pahalgam, and Gulmarg
“After the setback we had initially, people have started to come back to their favourite destination.”
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“Queries have increased. Other than the traditional winter destination of Gulmarg, a good number of queries are for Pahalgam as well, because in winters, no other place can match the natural landscapes of Pahalgam.”
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Ritika
A tourist from Delhi
“The tourists are enjoying the snow very much. The atmosphere is very good.”
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Arjun
A tourist from Maharashtra and friend of Kartik
“It depends on both the sides. If you get a good experience, like when you are treated as family by the people here, everything feels nice. Then, you do not feel unsafe.”
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Suneet Peter
Associated with the hotel business in Manali
“If there is snowfall during Christmas and New Year, it will be a great boon for Manali’s tourism industry.”
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Roshan Thakur
President of the Manali Hoteliers Association
“People are waiting for snowfall, and in case it occurs, hotel bookings will increase further. Hotels are organising various events for the New Year and Christmas.”
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