Secretary in Agriculture Production Department, Shabnam Kamili today inaugurated two day Jashn-e-Zaffran at India International Kashmir Saffron Trade Centre (IIKSTC) Dussoo, Pampore.

The event,  organized by Agriculture Department, Kashmir, was attended by Director Agriculture Kashmir, Chowdhury Mohammad Iqbal; Director Horticulture Kashmir, G.R.Mir; heads of allied department,  BDC Kakapora Umar Jan, DDC Member Kakpora, Abdul Qayoom Mir; members Kisan Board, Joint Directors, Chief Agriculture Officer, Saffron growers, students from different educational institutions and officers of Agriculture and allied departments.

While addressing the inaugural session, Secretary highlighted the importance of Kashmir saffron in overall development of Agriculture economy and socio-economic transformation of saffron growers of Pampore area. She reiterated that the department is committed towards development of farming community of the region. She said that after getting GI Tag the Kashmir Saffron is touching new heights at national and international level.

Shabnam Kamili asked the farmers to come forward and take benefit from different initiatives by the department. She asked saffron growers to take full advantage from the scientific facilities available for them at IIKSTC.

Secretary informed the participants that under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) government has approved a special project for promotion and development of niche crops including saffron. She impressed upon the officers to put in all the efforts and ensure that every saffron grower is acquainted  with the government's programs, schemes (including HADP) for the development of Saffron sector.

She directed the concerned Officers to organise awareness programmes for the farmers and train them in different skills and techniques related to different crops including saffron.

During the session, Director Agriculture Kashmir gave a detailed presentation regarding the overall saffron crop scenario. He gave the details of different interventions by the department during the last few years.

Shabnum Kamili also visited different sections of IIKSTC, where she was briefed by the concerned experts. She also inspected the stalls laid by agriculture and allied departments.

A cultural programme was also held in which folk artists and students from different educational institutions entertained the participants with their performances.