Jammu

Saffron production in Jammu and Kashmir declined to 19.58 metric tonnes (MT) in 2024–25 from 23.53 MT in the previous financial year, according to official data tabled in the Assembly on Tuesday.

In a written reply to a question by National Conference MLA Hasnain Masoodi, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary said the total area under saffron cultivation in the Union Territory remained unchanged at 1,116.27 hectares, even as output and productivity fluctuated.

The data showed that saffron production stood at 17.33 MT in 2020–21, dropped to 14.87 MT in 2021–22 and 14.94 MT in 2022–23, before rising sharply to 23.53 MT in 2023–24. However, production again declined in 2024–25 to 19.58 MT.

Average productivity, calculated by combining 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 House was informed.

The deputy chief minister said saffron exports during 2024–25 were recorded at 17.82 MT, down from 20.47 MT in the previous year. The value of saffron production during the year stood at Rs 534.53 crore, while export earnings were estimated at Rs 486.43 crore.

Providing details of traditional (non-rejuvenated) saffron areas, Choudhary said production from these fields was 5.02 MT in 2024–25, with productivity of 4.5 kg per hectare, compared to 5.44 MT and 4.87 kg per hectare in 2023–24.

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He said sustained efforts are underway to stabilise and enhance saffron productivity through improved agronomic practices and rejuvenation measures.