Kashmir saffron farmers fear a poor 2026 harvest after many fields remained largely bare during the brief picking season. Growers say an almost snowless winter and a prolonged dry spell have hurt the crop, although the extent of any losses is not yet clear.
Key Takeaways
- Farmers say few flowers have appeared in some fields near Pampore.
- One grower who irrigated his field reported a good yield.
- Kashmir typically produces 13–14 tonnes of saffron a year.
Kashmir saffron harvest remains uncertain
On October 26, farmer Irshad Ahmad delayed picking at his field in Patlibagh, south Kashmir, because barely any flowers were visible. Fields would normally be covered with purple flowers at this time of year.
Farmers reported yields of just 5% to 10% of a normal crop in 2025. The current season’s outcome remains uncertain, with growers waiting to see whether more flowers emerge.
Dry weather and irrigation
Growers cited an almost snowless winter followed by dry conditions in September and the first two weeks of October. Farmer Abdul Rasheed said October moisture is crucial for saffron and noted unusually high temperatures early in the month. Srinagar reached 31.2°C on October 4, its second-highest October temperature since 1935.
Winter snow replenishes soil moisture, while cold helps the crop’s seasonal development. An agriculture expert said irregular precipitation and fluctuations in temperature and moisture can affect flowering and yields.
The government introduced drip irrigation under the ₹412 crore National Saffron Mission in 2010 to address prolonged dry spells, but the initiative was not fully implemented. Farmer Ali Mohammad said his field was producing well after he dug a well and irrigated it several times.
Families depend on cultivation
Around 20,000 to 25,000 families in Kashmir depend on saffron cultivation. The region typically produces 13–14 tonnes annually, making the harvest important to growers’ livelihoods.
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