The Registrar of Geographical Indications has granted GI status to “Kashmir Saffron”. The application for the same was filed on December 03, 2018 by the Directorate of Agriculture, Government of Jammu and Kashmir in class 30 and the said application was facilitated by – Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture Science and Technology, Kashmir (SKAUST-K) Shalimar and Saffron Research Station, Dussu (Pampore), Jammu and Kashmir. Kashmir Saffron, as known to all has gained immense popularity in India and abroad, owing to its superior quality, aroma and multipurpose use such as in cosmetics, Kashmiri cuisine and medicinal use. It is cultivated and harvested in the Karewas (high lands) of Jammu and Kashmir and is the only saffron which is grown at an altitude of 1600m to 1800m above mean sea level, adding another feature and making it only one of its kind. One of the important aspects to note about the Kashmir Saffron is that it is totally chemical-free and organic.
Kashmir Saffron has long and thick threads (Stigmas) and is available in three types – Lachha Saffron, Mongra Saffron and Guchhi Saffron. Out of the three types, Mongra Saffron is considered to be the costly one as it contains only red-coloured stigmas.
Apart from its above mentioned qualities and benefits, Kashmir Saffron also has an important geographical aspect to be noted. It grows in the regions of Kashmir owing to its altitudinal effect; temperate climatic conditions and the type of soil available there, making it different from the other saffron(s) grown in rest of the world.