Kashmir’s famed saffron faces devastating new terror: Porcupines

Pampore, located in Indian-administered Kashmir, witnesses a challenging situation as 52-year-old Bashir Ahmad Bhat finds his saffron fields destroyed by porcupines before dawn. Despite battling various hurdles like climate change and market prices, the unexpected threat from porcupines has left farmers like Bashir frustrated. Pampore has been a hub for saffron cultivation for generations, producing high-quality saffron with deep crimson color and strong aroma.

The intrusion of Indian crested porcupines into saffron farms has exacerbated the struggles faced by the saffron industry in Kashmir. The porcupines, driven by factors like deforestation and habitat loss, have been digging up saffron bulbs for sustenance, leading to significant crop losses for farmers. The saffron production in Kashmir has been declining due to various challenges, with porcupines causing additional damage and putting the $45 million industry and livelihoods of 32,000 families at risk.

Efforts to deter porcupines, such as organic repellent sprays and traditional methods like setting up floodlights, have not been successful. The persistence of porcupines poses a threat not only to the local saffron industry but also to the global market, where Kashmir’s saffron holds a significant position. The decline in Kashmir’s saffron production could lead to price hikes and an increase in Iranian saffron dominance.

Farmers like Bashir Ahmad are grappling with the loss of their precious saffron crops and are calling for concrete actions and support from the government to address the porcupine infestation. Wildlife and agricultural experts are exploring solutions like reintroducing natural predators or developing repellents to safeguard the saffron fields. The urgency of the situation is evident as farmers fear the disappearance of Kashmir’s prized “red gold” if the porcupine menace persists unchecked.