Srinagar, May 4 (KNS): Chairman Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) Hakeem Yaseen has congratulated farmers of the state especially saffron growers for getting Geographical Identification tag (GI ) from Registrar of Geographical Identification (RGI ) , Chennai, Government of India observing that the step would go a long way to boost saffron trade at international level. He has eulogised the role of Director Agriculture, Kashmir, Syed Altaf Andrabi , played in the implementation of centrally sponsored saffron mission in the state , resulting in manifolds increase in saffron production.
In a statement issued to KNS Hakeem Yaseen has said that the award of GI tag to world famous Kashmiri saffron would protect it from unscrupulous traders who in the name of kashimri saffron clandestinely sell and stock imported and substandard saffron in the open market. He said GI tag was in the interest of both saffron producers and as well as buyers adding that now there will be a strict quality check by the Directorate of Agriculture ,Kashmir , which is the registered proprietor of GI Kashmiri saffron under the RGI guidelines.Hakeem Yaseen has urged the saffron growers to redouble thier efforts to enhance cultivation and production of saffron by adopting modern agricultural practices and facilities available under the prestigious saffron mission . He said Kashmiri saffron brand was in high demand in national as well as international markets adding that need of the hour was to increase its production further and to maintaining its quality.
Hakeem Yaseen has stressed upon the quality control wing of the agricultural department to intensify checking and surviallenc in the market to catch hold of unscrupulous traders who by indulging in sale of sub - substandard saffron bring bad name to the Kashmiri saffron.