J&K launches Kashmiri saffron in UAE market

With an aim to promote Kashmiri saffron in West Asia, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has launched the spice in the UAE market for the first time. The Kashmiri saffron recently received the geographical indication (GI) tag.

The GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin. Saffron produced in Kashmir was given the GI tag in July with an aim to put the Valley’s brand on the global map.

Navin K Choudhary, Jammu and Kashmir's Principal Secretary (Agriculture), launched the Kashmiri saffron on Tuesday at the UAE-India Food Security Summit, 2020.

“I am delighted that for the first time, Kashmiri saffron has been introduced to the UAE market,” Choudhary said on the occasion.

Kashmiri saffron, also known as ‘Zafran’ in Urdu, is renowned globally as a spice with many medicinal benefits. It represents the rich cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.

Choudhary said the Kashmiri saffron was exported for the first time after it received the GI certification.

“I am sure its export will grow further in Dubai and other cities of the UAE,” he said. Dr Aman Puri, Consul General of India to Dubai and Northern Emirates, and Kamal Vachani, Group Director of Al Maya Group, were also present during the launch.

Earlier, addressing the summit, Choudhary said Jammu and Kashmir was undergoing transformation in the political and legal arena with reforms in its economy. “The UT is aiming to double its agricultural and horticultural produce through technological interventions and high yield plantation,” he said.

Choudhary is leading a 20-member delegation of businessmen and government officials from Jammu and Kashmir to the two-day food security summit, which started on Tuesday. — PTI