Jammu, Feb 18: Saffron production in Jammu and Kashmir has declined from 23.53 metric tonnes (MT) in 2023–24 to 19.58 MT in 2024–25, according to official data tabled in the Legislative Assembly.
In a written reply to a question raised by National Conference MLA Hasnain Masoodi, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary said that while the total area under saffron cultivation in the Union Territory has remained constant at 1,116.27 hectares, output and productivity have witnessed fluctuations over the past few years.
As per the data shared in the House, saffron production stood at 17.33 MT in 2020–21, declined to 14.87 MT in 2021–22 and 14.94 MT in 2022–23, before registering a sharp increase to 23.53 MT in 2023–24. However, it again dropped to 19.58 MT in 2024–25.
Average productivity (combined traditional and rejuvenated areas) improved from 4.02 kg per hectare in 2022–23 to 6.33 kg per hectare in 2023–24, but slipped to 5.27 kg per hectare in 2024–25, the Minister informed.
He further stated that saffron exports during 2024–25 were recorded at 17.82 MT, down from 20.47 MT in the previous financial year. The total value of saffron production during 2024–25 stood at ₹534.53 crore, while export earnings were pegged at ₹486.43 crore.
Providing a breakdown of traditional (non-rejuvenated) saffron areas, the Deputy Chief Minister said that production from these fields was 5.02 MT in 2024–25, with a productivity of 4.5 kg per hectare. In comparison, traditional areas had produced 5.44 MT in 2023–24 with a productivity of 4.87 kg per hectare.
He added that the government is making sustained efforts to stabilise and enhance saffron productivity through improved agronomic practices and rejuvenation measures aimed at strengthening this key agricultural sector of the Union Territory.
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