Saffron farmers in India’s Kashmir region are facing the prospect of further dry spells because of the El Niño weather pattern. Saffron is highly dependent on rainfall and supports thousands of families in the Kashmiri Himalayas; changes in rain and snow therefore directly affect the crop and local livelihoods.
Mukhtar Ahmad, director of Meteorology at the Srinagar station of the Indian Meteorological Department, warned that if January precipitation remains below normal, drought-like situations may develop in many areas of Kashmir. He told SciDev.Net that three to four major spells of snow are needed to compensate the deficit for November and December, because precipitation in that period helps provide water for irrigation.
The World Meteorological Organization said the ongoing El Niño is expected to last at least until April 2024 and noted record-high land and sea-surface temperatures since June. Agricultural economist Farhet Shaheeen said shifting weather patterns are causing heavy losses, with farmers losing up to 70 per cent of their crops in a single season. She called for better government-collected data and adaptation measures such as collecting and storing water more efficiently, building flood resistance and strengthening early warning systems.
Saffron production has fallen since a 1990s peak, when annual yield averaged about 15.5 tonnes from 5,700 hectares. By 2016 the cultivated area had dropped to 3,715 hectares and per-hectare production fell to less than 1.88 kg. A retired professor noted that annual precipitation fell from 1,000–1,200 mm before 1999–2000 to 600–800 mm now. The government launched a 4.1 billion rupees National Saffron Mission in 2010, but farmers say they have yet to see its impact.
Difficult words
- precipitation — fall of rain, snow or other water
- irrigation — supplying land with water for crops
- deficit — a lack or shortage of something needed
- adaptation — changes to cope with new conditions
- yield — amount of crop produced from land
- livelihood — a way people earn money for livinglivelihoods
- cultivate — prepare and use land for growing plantscultivated
- hectare — a unit for measuring land areahectares
- early warning system — tools to give notice of danger earlyearly warning systems
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Which adaptation measure mentioned (collecting and storing water, building flood resistance, early warning systems) do you think would help most, and why?
- How would a fall in saffron production affect families in the Kashmiri Himalayas?
- What can local farmers do to cope with less rain or snow in their area?
Related articles
Crop losses threaten food security across Africa
Researchers say climate shocks, pests and diseases are increasing crop losses across Africa. Erratic rainfall, flooding and biological threats reduce yields, lower incomes and affect national food supplies and global commodity markets.
Gum ingredients help tilapia cope with cold
Researchers tested lecithin and Arabic gum as feed additives for tilapia and found they improved growth, survival and cellular responses to cold. Experts say the approach may help farms in cooler, subtropical areas but not very cold regions.
Antibiotics on farms and rising resistance in East Africa
Antibiotic use on farms in parts of East Africa is increasing antimicrobial resistance. Poor access to veterinary care, weak rules and routine drug use on animals are driving resistant infections that affect people, animals and the environment.
