Saffron harvest brings Jammu and Kashmir's Pampore to life

Pampore is known as ‘Saffron Town’ of Kashmir. The saffron growers said that for the past few years, the crop yield has been low due to less rainfall.

The state of Jammu and Kashmir is well known for saffron cultivation around the world, and today Kashmir is the prime producer of saffron in India. (Photo | PTI) 

Saffron is mainly harvested in the fields at Pampore close to Srinagar. Pampore is known as ‘Saffron Town’ of Kashmir. (Photo | PTI)

Saffron, derived from the crocus flower, is one of the most popular spices used for colouring that enhances various cuisines. (Photo | PTI)

The saffron growers said that for the past few years, the crop yield has been low due to less rainfall. (Photo | PTI)

The high retail value of saffron is maintained on world markets because of labour-intensive harvesting methods, which require some 440,000 hand-picked saffron stigmas per kilogram, equivalent to 150,000 crocus flowers per kilogram. (Photo | PTI)

Saffron will not spoil, but will lose flavour within six months if not stored in an airtight, cool, dark, place. (Photo | PTI)

A farmer is seen collecting the saffron flowers after picking them up from a field at Pampore in Pulwama district. (Photo | PTI)

Another person seen plucking saffron spice from a flower at his residence after picking the flower from a field at Pampore. (Photo | PTI)