Saffron Cultivation in Kashmir Valley - Myth and Realities

摘要

The state of Jammu and Kashmir is the place where Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is predominately cultivated in India. In fact, Kashmir is considered to be one of the three (Iran, Spain and India) largest cultivating places of Saffron all over the world. According to historical evidences, Saffron was brought to India by the Persian rulers around 500.B.C. The Persian rulers transplanted the Persian Saffron corms to the Kashmiri soils, once they conquered Kashmir. However, according to the traditional Kashmiri legends, Saffron was brought to the region by two Sufi ascetics, Khawja Masood Wali (R.A) and Sheikh Sharif-u-din Wali (R.A) during the 11th and 12th centuries A.D. Both the foreigners having fallen sick beseeched a cure for illness from a local tribal chieftain. When the chieftain obliged, the two holy men reputedly gave them a Saffron corm as payment and appreciation.