India is now the only saffron-producing nation to have its Kashmir saffron designated as a Geographical Indication (GI). India is a close rival to Iran, which produces the most saffron worldwide. An official spokeswoman stated on Tuesday that the GI label will give the Kashmir saffron more significance in the international market, increasing its exports. As a result, the farmers will be able to obtain the greatest price possible for long-term economic viability.
The GI certification would also stop the widespread adulteration of saffron and stop the commercialization of saffron grown in other nations under the pretence that it was produced in Kashmir, both of which were harming the financial interests of the farmers who grow this crop.
The J&K Government has introduced new efforts, such as the use of GI Tagging, to increase saffron output in Kashmir. The GI sign is used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. Saffron is cultivated and harvested in the Karewas (highlands) of Jammu and Kashmir and has been assigned a GI tag by the Geographical Indications Registry. The regions of Jammu & Kashmir that produce the spice include Pulwama, Budgam, Kishtwar, and Srinagar.
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