Awantipora, September 12, KNT: A vehicle carrying around 1.8 quintals of saffron corms was intercepted by police in Awantipora while the consignment was allegedly being transported outside Kashmir, following an investigation into the unauthorized sale and proposed movement of saffron planting material.

Police officials said the vehicle was intercepted by Police Station Pampore at a naka after information regarding the movement of the consignment was shared with the authorities. The seized saffron corms were subsequently handed over to officials of the Agriculture Department for verification and necessary action under the applicable rules and government directions.

During the investigation, instances of saffron corms being offered for sale and arrangements allegedly being made for their transportation were documented, according to the newspaper.

The findings were subsequently shared with the concerned police authorities, following which Awantipora Police acted on the information and intercepted the vehicle carrying the consignment.

The Agriculture Department is now expected to examine the seized material, verify its source and determine whether the consignment was being transported in violation of applicable restrictions. Further action will depend on the findings of the departmental verification and any other investigation initiated by the authorities.

Saffron corms constitute the primary planting material used for saffron cultivation and their movement is subject to restrictions. The interception of a consignment weighing around 1.8 quintals has consequently drawn attention to the mechanisms through which saffron corms are being procured, sold and transported.

Saffron growers Riyaz Ahmad Dar of Pampore and Firdous Mir welcomed the police action and called for sustained monitoring of the trade and movement of saffron planting material.

“The interception of such a large quantity is a welcome step. There is a need for continuous surveillance and strict enforcement so that saffron planting material is not moved outside the region through unauthorised channels,” they said.

The growers said unauthorised movement of saffron corms could have implications for the region’s saffron cultivation and called for greater scrutiny of traders, intermediaries and transportation channels involved in the trade.

The investigation has also drawn attention to the possible use of online platforms and logistics networks for the sale and transportation of saffron corms. However, the involvement or responsibility of any particular company, online marketplace or logistics operator has not been established, and any such role would require verification by the competent authorities.

The seized consignment will now be examined by the Agriculture Department, which is expected to determine the nature and origin of the saffron corms and take further action, if warranted, under the applicable legal and regulatory framework.

The interception has also highlighted the importance of coordination between law-enforcement agencies and the Agriculture Department in enforcing restrictions concerning the movement of saffron planting material and protecting the interests of local saffron growers. [KNT]

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