KISHTWAR: As part of ongoing efforts to promote awareness of GI (Geographical Indication) Saffron and other regional Spice Products, the Department of Agriculture organized a one-day Mega Saffron Mela Cum Awareness Program here in the Conference Hall.
The event saw active participation from over 150 Progressive Farmers, including Farmer Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Officers from India Spice Board.
The program was hosted by Incharge Scientist & Head, Spice Board Regional Office Jammu Ashutosh Gautam.
He gave a comprehensive presentation on the GI procedure and its importance, especially in the context of regional spices. He highlighted the potential of Kishtwar district in growing these valuable products, stressing that the GI tag is essential to reduce adulteration and ensure the authenticity of local production.
Highlighting the uniqueness of Kishtwar Saffron, Gautam noted its distinctive Guchha properties, which make it stand out globally.
Rajesh Kumar Shavan, DC Kishtwar emphasized that Kishtwar saffron is the purest form available and must be recognized as a top-quality product. He underscored the importance of expanding saffron cultivation to other areas of the district and promoting other local spices, including Kala Zeera. He also expressed interest in exploring the potential of introduction of other spices and products unique to the region.
The DC directed the agriculture authorities to initiate trial cultivation of “Moti Elaichi” in the Boujnwah area and promote the cultivation of “Curry Leaves”, “Red Chilly” and other Spices in the Kandi Belt of the district.
Further, the DC encouraged the youth to take an active role in these agricultural initiatives and emphasized the importance of farmers’ training programs to enhance their knowledge and skills, along with all possible help and assistance from the District Administration.
He intimated the participants that the District Administration is closely working to Introduce “Heeng”(Asafoetida) plants in the Paddar and preparations are underway for planting more than 1000 plants this year.
The Overall Program was held under the Able Guidance of Chief Agriculture Officer Kishtwar Amjad Hussain Malik.
The event was attended by a number of dignitaries, including Pawan Kotwal, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Kishtwar; Amjad Hussain Malik, Chief Agricultural Officer (CAO), Kishtwar; Jatinder Singh, SDO Kishtwar; as well as members of FPOs, SHGs, KKGs, farmers and staff from the Agriculture Department.