Porcupine-Imperils Livelihoods of pulwama Saffron Farmers

Porcupine-Imperils Livelihoods of pulwama Saffron Farmers

Asif Iqbal | December 12, 2023 | 01:02 PM IST | Pulwama | Follow on Google News

Porcupine-Imperils Livelihoods of pulwama Saffron Farmers.image/KNO

Porcupine-Imperils Livelihoods of pulwama Saffron Farmers

Saffron cultivators in Pulwama district of south Kashmir are facing a growing concern as porcupines persistently damage their saffron corms. Farmers hailing from Pampore, Lethpora, and nearby regions have reported significant harm to saffron beds, posing a direct threat to their livelihoods.

Expressing worry over the substantial damage inflicted by porcupines, Shabir Ahmad, a saffron grower, highlighted the adverse impact on saffron production when corms are affected. He emphasized the jeopardy to the economic well-being of saffron growers due to this ongoing issue. Another grower, Yasir Ahmad, underscored that despite attempts to deter porcupines using lights and horns, the nocturnal activities of these animals persist as a serious challenge. He warned that unless immediate measures are implemented, saffron corms could face complete depletion in the coming years.

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Saffron growers find themselves in a unique predicament compared to other orchardists who have various methods to safeguard their crops. Yasir Ahmad explained that unlike orchardists with options like covering tree trunks, saffron fields lack similar protective measures against porcupine attacks. He urged the government to consult technical experts who could provide guidance on addressing this menace.Despite bringing the issue to the attention of concerned authorities, saffron growers lamented the absence of concrete steps taken to address the problem.

An official from the Agriculture Department proposed the use of a repellent emitting an odor that deters porcupines for approximately seven days when applied.The official emphasized that wildlife regulations prohibit the use of lethal methods, stating that only humane and non-lethal solutions can be applied to protect saffron crops from porcupine attacks.

The saffron growers continue to advocate for urgent intervention and assistance from the government to preserve their livelihoods and the saffron industry in the region.

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Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.