Saffron in peril: Kashmir’s golden harvest threatened by global warming

Pampore, Sept 21: In Kashmir Valley, saffron has long been more than just a crop; it is a symbol of heritage and a vital source of income for local farmers. But its farming is grappling with significant sustainability and livelihood issues, highlighting the urgent need for suitable technologies to combat global warming.As global temperatures rise, the very foundations of this traditional cultivation industry are under siege. Erratic weather patterns, unseasonable warmth, and diminishing snowfall have disrupted the delicate balance required for saffron cultivation.Farmers who have invested their lives in this aromatic harvest are now facing uncertainty and declining yields, jeopardizing their livelihoods and the cultural legacy of saffron production.Saffron production, which once reached nearly 17 tons annually, has now stabilized at around 15 tons