Government issues certificate of GI registration for the Saffron grown in Kashmir Valley

July 25: The decision has been taken by the Government of India regarding issue of certificate of GI registration for the Saffron grown in the Kashmir Valley.

Everyone is contended by the decision of the authorities. Expressing happiness on the development, Shri G. C. Murmu Lieutenant Governor, Union Territory of J&K said that this is the first major step to put Saffron produced in the Kashmir Valley on the world map with authentication. With the GI tag, Kashmir Saffron will acquire more prominence in the export market and would help the farmers get the best remunerative price and hence growth.

Lieutenant Governor while complimenting the Director Agriculture Kashmir for pursuing GI certification said that restoring the pristine glory of Kashmir saffron is top priority for both the Government of UT of J&K as well as GoI.

Referring to further details, Mr. Navin K. Choudhary, Principal Secretary to Government, Agricultural production Department said that GI certification establishes specific geographical origin and certifies certain unique qualities of the product. Government of India certification enables those who have the right to use sign in order to prevent third party using the sign. This GI certification would also stop the prevalent adulteration of Kashmir Saffron and thereby authenticated Saffron will fetch much better prices.

Mr. Choudhary further informed that Kashmir Safrron is the only one in the world grown at an altitude of 1600 meters, which adds to its uniqueness and differentiate it from other saffron varieties due to its unique characteristics like longer and thicker stigma, natural deep-red colour, high aroma, bitter flavor, chemical free processing and high quality colour strength, flavor and bitterness. And hence, unique.