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Kashmiri Saffron Declines By Nearly 90%

Noor Mohammad Bhat, 70, a Kashmiri saffron seller, waits for customers at his shop in Pampore, south of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on November 9, 2025. The production of the world-famous Kashmiri saffron, also known as red gold, witnesses a steep decline over the past decade. Farmers say they see a 90% drop in crop production this year, blaming climate change, urbanization, and government negligence. Known for its superior quality in the global saffron market, Kashmiri saffron is the world's most expensive spice and has been part of the region's culture and economy for more than 3,000 years. (Photo by Firdous Nazir/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#12972249
Date Taken	9 November 2025
Location	N/A
Photographer	Firdous Nazir/NurPhoto
Category	Economy, Business and Finance
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Firdous Nazir/NurPhoto

Noor Mohammad Bhat Kashmiri saffron Pampore Srinagar Jammu and Kashmir saffron seller world famous red gold steep decline past decade farmers 90% drop crop production climate change urbanisation government negligence superior quality global saffron market most expensive spice culture economy 3 000 years Firdous Nazir NurPhoto November 09 2025 south of Srinagar production Kashmiri culture Kashmiri economy saffron market climate impact urban growth government policy traditional farming.