In a significant boost for Kashmir’s iconic saffron industry, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to gift the prized ‘Kashmiri saffron’ to Russian President Vladimir Putin has ignited a wave of pride, optimism, and renewed economic hope among the Valley’s cultivators.
The move is being hailed as a masterstroke of cultural diplomacy, thrusting the world’s most valuable spice, cultivated on the delicate karewas (highland plateaus) of Jammu and Kashmir, into the international spotlight.
Officials say the gift, presented during the recent bilateral summit, is more than symbolic for the farming community. It is seen as an endorsement with the potential to catalyze market growth, enhance global recognition, and strengthen the livelihoods of thousands of families reliant on the delicate purple crocus.
“This single act has done what years of local marketing could not,” said Ghulam Mohammad, a third-generation saffron farmer from Pampore, the heart of Kashmir’s saffron cultivation. “When the world’s leaders exchange our humble produce, it sends a message of unparalleled quality and heritage. We are already receiving inquiries. This isn’t just pride; it’s a promise of better prices and a secure future for our children.”
Kulsooma, who heads a women’s cooperative of saffron cultivators in Pulwama, highlighted the socio-economic impact. “Recognition translates to demand. Increased demand means we can expand cultivation, involve more women, and process more saffron locally, creating jobs for our youth. The Prime Minister has handed us a global advertisement, it’s now our turn to deliver quality and scale.”
Jammu and Kashmir’s agriculture department welcomed the development, noting that it complements efforts to promote Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged products and high-value agriculture. “Kashmir saffron already has a GI tag, but such diplomatic showcasing is a game-changer for its global branding,” said a senior official. “We anticipate greater interest from international gourmet and wellness markets, directly benefiting farmers.”
The announcement has also energised local entrepreneurs and tourism stakeholders. Shopkeepers in Srinagar and Pampore report a surge in inquiries from tourists seeking “the saffron gifted to Putin.” Travel agent Faisal Khanday noted, “It has become a coveted souvenir. Visitors want the authentic story behind the spice, which boosts experiential tourism.”
For cultivators, saffron has long symbolised painstaking labour. Today, it also gleams with the promise of prosperity. “Our hands have carefully plucked this saffron for centuries,” said farmer Mohammad Yousuf Wani. “Now, we feel the world is finally reaching back to grasp its value. This is the best news for Kashmir’s heritage and its economy.”
