Kashmir's saffron farmers hit hard by long dry spell

India Dec 03, 2025

Kashmir's famous saffron fields are struggling this year as barely any rain has fallen since October.
This dry stretch is making it tough for farmers to grow the saffron corms needed for next season, especially in Pulwama and Budgam, where rainfall is down by up to 57%.
For many families who rely on this crop, things are looking pretty uncertain right now.

Saffron yields drop, farmers ask for help

Saffron production has crashed by nearly 70% this season because of the weather and even some wildlife issues.
Around 20,000 families depend on these fields for their income.
Many farmers say they urgently need government support and better irrigation—otherwise, more bad seasons could put their livelihoods at risk.
Everyone's hoping for rain soon to turn things around.