Archive · 3 Dec 2025
Kashmir Saffron Farmers Face Crisis Due to Dry Spell
Farmers in Kashmir are very worried because there hasn't been enough rain for a long time.
Saffron, a special and expensive spice that grows there, needs a lot of water to grow well.
Without enough rain, the saffron plants aren't growing properly, and farmers are afraid they will lose even more of their crop next year.
This is especially bad because they have already lost a lot of saffron this year due to bad weather and animals eating the plants.
Many families depend on growing saffron to make a living, and they are asking the government for help to save their crops.
Prolonged dry spell since October 2025 has raised concerns among saffron growers in Kashmir.
Pulwama and Budgam districts have experienced significant rainfall deficits of 38% and 57% respectively.
Saffron production has already declined by 60-70% due to erratic weather and other factors.
Around 20,000-25,000 families depend on saffron cultivation for their livelihood.
Farmers are urging the government for emergency support and irrigation assistance to prevent further losses.
- Who
- Saffron growers in Kashmir, particularly in Pulwama and Budgam districts
- What
- A prolonged dry spell is threatening saffron cultivation and production
- When
- Since October 2025, with concerns extending through December 2025
- Where
- Kashmir Valley, specifically Pulwama and Budgam districts
- Why
- Due to a significant rainfall deficit affecting saffron corm development and growth
- Rainfall Deficit in Pulwama
- 38%
- Rainfall Deficit in Budgam
- 57%
- Saffron Production Decline
- 60-70%
- Dependent Families
- 20,000-25,000
- Annual Saffron Production
- 13-14 tonnes