Amidst geopolitical tensions in West Asia causing a sharp decline in saffron supplies from Iran, Indian saffron prices have surged by over 20% at wholesale and 27% at retail levels, reaching Rs 3.5-3.6 lakh per kg. Kashmiri saffron, renowned for its quality, faces production challenges, with output declining significantly despite receiving a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Factors such as pollution from new cement factories in Pampore and erratic weather conditions contribute to the decline.
