Jammu, Mar 04: The Jammu and Kashmir government said it has successfully halted the decline in saffron cultivation, maintaining the saffron-growing area at 3,715 hectares.

Agriculture Minister Javed Ahmed Dar said new areas have been identified for expansion and an inquiry will be conducted into the working of the department in the growth of saffron cultivation in the Union territory.

“The government has successfully halted the decline in saffron cultivation. Since 2010-11, the saffron-growing area has remained stable at 3,715 hectares—3,665 hectares in Kashmir division and 50 hectares in Kishtwar—with new areas identified for expansion,” Dar said.

The National Saffron Mission has successfully revived saffron cultivation in Jammu and Kashmir, significantly increasing productivity and prices for farmers, he said in reply to a question from National Conference member Justice Hasnain Masoodi during Question Hour in the House.

However, key challenges such as irrigation infrastructure and land encroachments persist, the agriculture minister said.

The government launched the mission in 2010-11 under a flagship scheme devised by........

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