New Delhi (NVI): Kashmiri ‘kesar’ (saffron), an aromatic spice known world over for its unique taste and rich colour, has got the much-awaited Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
Cultivated and harvested exclusively in the Karewas (high lands) of Jammu and Kashmir, the saffron variety is a much sought after spice in the world as well as in the country, famous for its aroma, deep colour and long and thick threads.
“Kashmir Saffron gets a GI tag! Kashmir Saffron has the distinction of being the purely chemical-free, organic and safe consequently being the preferred choice of the consumers,” the Cell for IPR Promotion and Management (CIPAM), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said in a tweet.
Kashmir Saffron gets a GI tag! Kashmir Saffron has the distinction of being the purely chemical-free, organic and safe consequently being the preferred choice of the consumers. #WahGI #LetstalkIP pic.twitter.com/X4tPpeCAFz
— CIPAM (@CIPAM_India) May 1, 2020
Kashmir saffron is the only saffron grown at an altitude of 1600m to 1800m above the Mean Sea Level in the world, which adds to its distinctiveness and differentiates it from other saffron varieties available in the market world over.
The spice is grown in some regions of the Kashmir including Budgam, Pulwama, Kishtwar and Srinagar. It also serves as a means of livelihood for many farmers in the region. Pampore in Pulwama is known as “Saffron Town of Kashmir”. The spice is known and used for its herbal and medicinal properties.
The Spices Board, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry also congratulated Directorate of Agriculture, J&K for getting GI tag for Kashmir saffron.
Kashmir Saffron gets a Geographical Indication (GI) tag!! pic.twitter.com/bt8nOX7DhY
— SPICES BOARD (@Spices_Board) May 2, 2020
