{
  "id": 18083572,
  "title": "Kashmir's Saffron Season Begins: Why Pampore Is Known As India's Saffron Capital",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/kashmirs-saffron-season-begins-why-pampore-is-known-as-indias-saffron",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-04T06:23:31.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/lifestyle/kashmirs-saffron-season-begins-why-pampore-is-known-as-indias-saffron-capital"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The annual saffron harvest season has commenced in Pampore and surrounding villages within south Kashmir's Pulwama district. Farmers begin their day early to pluck the delicate saffron flowers before meticulously extracting the prized red stigmas which will ultimately be dried to create the world's most expensive spice, saffron, often referred to as red gold. Saffron is a highly coveted agricultural product, which is why the area is colloquially referred to as \"Saffron Town\" and the saffron capital of India.\n\nThe picturesque landscape of the region is transformed by the delicate purple saffron flowers during autumn. The harvest season typically spans from October to November, drawing attention due to its unique cultivation process and the area's longstanding tradition of saffron farming. The saffron harvest season commences in Kashmir as farmers rise before dawn to gather the fragile saffron flowers, subsequently extracting the precious red stigmas which are later dried to produce the globe's most expensive spice.\n\nPampore, situated approximately 15 kilometers southeast of Srinagar in the Jhelum Valley, is one of the few locations in India where saffron is cultivated on a large scale. The region's unique soil composition, ideal climatic conditions, and well-drained Karewa soil formations create optimal environments for producing high-quality saffron. The saffron flower blooms in between October and November, with the exact timing depending on weather and soil moisture levels.\n\nHistorically, saffron cultivation in the area dates back to the 11th to 12th century, following Persian invasions. The Kashmiri saffron received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2020, recognizing its distinctive geographical origin and traditional cultivation practices. The spice is highly valued for its vibrant purple color, intense aroma, and unique flavor, making it a prized commodity worldwide.",
  "summary": "The annual saffron harvest season has begun in Pampore and its adjoining villages in south Kashmir's Pulwama district, as farmers gather in the early morning to pluck delicate saffron flowers before separating the precious red stigmas that are later dried to produce the world's most expensive spice, saffron, which is also known as red gold. Saffron is one of the most precious agricultural…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}