CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -Notes: Jammu and Kashmir government has recently launched an e-Auction portal to promote trading of GI tagged ‘Kashmir Saffron’ across the country. Using the portal, buyers can have access to quality ‘Kashmir Saffron’ and saffron growers can get optimum returns of their yield.

Detailed explanation-2: -It is believed that saffron was introduced in Kashmir by Sufi saints Khwaja Masood Wali and Hazrat Sheikh Sharif-ud-Din. There are several types of saffron available in Kashmir including Mongra, which is the darkest variety. Just one strand is enough to infuse an entire dish with a rich aroma and flavour.

Detailed explanation-3: -The largest saffron producing state in India is Jammu and Kashmir.

Detailed explanation-4: -Out of total 5, 707 hectares of land under saffron cultivation in Kashmir, more than 90 per cent is in Pampore tehsil of Pulwama district in South Kashmir while the rest is in central Kashmir’s Budgam and Srinagar districts. Known for its special aroma, saffron is a powerful flavouring and colouring agent.

Detailed explanation-5: -world’s best saffron is grown in the valley and its major intensity is in district Pulwama and Budgam. Nearly 90% of the total area in the state under this crop is cultivated in Kashmir province only (Table 1).