Saffron is known globally a valuable spice. It is called “Saffron” in English lexicon, “Zaffron” in Urdu and “Kong” in Kashmiri and scientifically it is known as “Crocus sativus”. Its importance has been highlighted by great scholars and poets. A renowned poet “Kalidas” has praised the beauty of saffron fields. The mesmerizing beauty of saffron has enchanted poets, scholars, authors, and philosophers since time immemorial. The fields of saffron are popularly known as “Zafranzaar” which means a place where yellow coloured plants or crops are standing. In other words it is a place where one is made to have a loud laugh. In our valley Kashmir word “Zafranzaar” is also used for laughter oriented programmes.The beauty of saffron has been praised by foreign troops. It is said that the troops of Alexander got enchanted with the beauty of saffron fields to such an extent that they forgot their assigned duties. Even Abul-Fazul has wonderfully described the significance of saffron in his book “Aayeen-E-Akbari”.

In the month of October and November the saffron fields at Pampore (A place at a distance of few kilometers from the city of Srinagar) are mesmerizing rather picturesque spots. Apart from Pampore saffron is also cultivated at other places as well.
When moon light falls on the flowers of saffron fields it seems as if the fields are from paradise. It (saffron) is also known as the king of flowers. In Greece the colour of saffron is known as the royal colour.The Hindus consider the Tilak(a sectarian mark) of saffron very sacred. In recent past the royal courts, theaters, halls and other establishments of Greece used to be refreshed with the aroma of saffron. From Kashmir to Greece saffron is being used in pharmaceuticals.
In 18th century its cultivation was started in England. The cultivation of saffron also needs a lot of hard work from its cultivators. In its cultivation the hard work of its cultivators cannot be neglected.
The land required for the cultivation of saffron must be sloppy so that there may not be the accumulation of water in the fields which can prove hazardous for the crop. Once the bulbs of saffron are planted they (cultivators) can get the crop for about fourteen years. During day time when the sky is clear the flowers are plucked and then variety of saffrons are prepared. We have royal saffron, monger,lacha and other varieties of saffron.
In order to cultivate saffron on a large scale in our valley Kashmir the central government as well as the state government has taken many initiatives .A mission regarding its large scale production known as “National Zaffron Mission” has been initiated.
It is hoped in near future its cultivation will be made on latest scientific principles so that its production and processing can get a boost, and its fragrance can reach to every nock and corner of the world as described by the Sanskrit poet (Kalidas) in his poetry.