Awantipora, September 12: Police in Awantipora intercepted a vehicle carrying around 1.8 quintals of saffron corms that were allegedly being transported outside Kashmir, following information regarding the unauthorized sale and movement of saffron planting material.

Officials said the vehicle was intercepted by Police Station Pampore during a naka after authorities received information about the consignment. The seized saffron corms were later handed over to officials of the Agriculture Department for verification and further action under applicable rules.

The interception followed an investigation into allegations concerning the sale and proposed transportation of saffron corms despite restrictions governing their movement outside the region. Information gathered during the investigation was shared with the concerned police authorities, following which police acted on the inputs and intercepted the vehicle.

The Agriculture Department is expected to verify the source and nature of the seized corms and determine whether their transportation violated applicable restrictions. Further action will depend on the findings of the departmental verification and any investigation initiated by the authorities.

Saffron corms are the primary planting material used for saffron cultivation, and their movement is subject to regulatory restrictions. The seizure of around 1.8 quintals has raised concerns over the channels through which saffron planting material is being sold and transported.

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

They said sustained surveillance and strict enforcement were necessary to prevent saffron planting material from being moved outside the region through unauthorized channels.

The growers also called for greater scrutiny of traders, intermediaries and transportation networks involved in the trade, saying unauthorized movement could affect the interests of local saffron growers.

The incident has also highlighted concerns over the possible use of online platforms and logistics networks in the sale and transportation of saffron corms. However, the involvement of any particular company, online marketplace or logistics operator has not been established and would require verification by the competent authorities.

The seized consignment will now be examined by the Agriculture Department, which will determine its origin and whether further action is warranted under the applicable legal and regulatory framework.

The interception has underscored the need for coordination between law enforcement agencies and the Agriculture Department to enforce restrictions on the movement of saffron planting material and safeguard the interests of saffron growers in the region.