Kashmir’s famous saffron sector is once again in crisis, with growers across the region, including Pampore, known as the Saffron Bowl of Kashmir, saying this year’s yield has dropped by nearly 90 percent, leaving thousands of families in distress. Kashmiri saffron, known as Red Gold, is the world’s most expensive spice and has been part of the region’s culture and economy for more than 3,000 years. Farmers say production this season is only about 10 to 15 percent of normal, blaming changing weather for the sharp decline that now threatens the future of the centuries-old crop, which growers fear may disappear soon if urgent steps are not taken.
