Pampore, Indian-administered Kashmir – As dawn breaks over the renowned saffron fields of Pampore, 52-year-old farmer Bashir Ahmad Bhat begins his day long before the first call to prayer. Emerging from his home in the Pulwama district, he illuminates the path with a flashlight, hoping to find his crops untouched. However, he faces a disheartening reality: his precious saffron corms, cultivated with care for months, have been ravaged overnight.
Farmers like Ahmad have long contended with numerous challenges including fluctuating market prices and climate change. However, recent developments have introduced a new adversary: the Indian crested porcupine, which has now begun to devastate saffron fields that are integral to the region’s agricultural heritage.
For generations, Pampore has been a vital hub of saffron production, considered sacred by its locals. Kashmiri saffron is celebrated for its high crocin content, a key indicator of quality, which is significantly higher than that of saffron produced in Iran and Afghanistan. As such, it commands a prestigious position in global markets.
Despite enduring past adversities such as a prolonged conflict and challenges related to smuggling, the saffron farmers now find themselves confronting this unexpected threat. Initially confined to wooded areas, porcupines have encroached upon agricultural lands, driven by habitat loss and climate change, forcing farmers to adapt to their increasing presence.
Kashmiri saffron production has faced a steady decline, dropping from 15.97 metric tonnes in 1997-98 to just 3.48 metric tonnes by 2021-22. The emergence of the porcupine, which burrows into the soil to access saffron bulbs, has exacerbated these challenges. Farmers report lost crop yields and accumulated financial losses, with Ahmad estimating a loss of approximately 300,000 Indian rupees (around ,500) over the past two years alone.
Previous attempts to deter this growing infestation using organic repellents have yielded limited success. Some farmers have turned to traditional methods, such as setting up thorny barriers and floodlights, but with little effect. Concerns are mounting, as the disruption to saffron agriculture not only threatens local livelihoods but also poses risks to the global saffron market.
With Kashmir’s saffron recognized worldwide, disruption in production could extend the dominance of Iran’s saffron in the global market. Industry insiders warn that as crop yields shrink, prices could skyrocket, making Kashmir’s renowned “red gold” inaccessible to many.
Research indicates that the porcupine challenge is intertwined with broader environmental changes. With climate change altering food availability and the decline of natural predators, porcupine populations have surged, heightening crop damage across the region. Experts advocate for sustainable solutions, including protective fencing and biodegradable repellents that could mitigate risks for both farmers and wildlife.
As the local community rallies to stave off this crisis, the call for government intervention grows louder. Suggested measures include compensation for crop losses, subsidies for effective deterrents, and long-term wildlife management policies. For farmers like Ahmad, who have cultivated saffron for centuries, preserving this essential part of their heritage is paramount. As they face the dual challenges of environmental changes and crop devastation, the resilience of Kashmir’s saffron farmers remains a testament to their enduring connection to this “golden” land.
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