Onlykashmir.in News Desk
Srinagar, Dec 21: A high level delegation of scientists and policy experts from Iran has arrived at Sher e Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir for a five day study tour focused on advancing saffron cultivation and research. The visit is being facilitated through SKUAST K in collaboration with the International Crop Research Institute for Semi Arid Tropics and is being seen as a significant step in science diplomacy between two major saffron producing regions.
The inaugural session of the programme titled Saffron Cultivation, Production, Best Practices and Capacity Building in Traceability and Authenticity Analysis was held at the Shalimar campus. The event was chaired by Vice Chancellor Prof Nazir Ahmed Ganai and co chaired by Dr Stanford Blade, Deputy Director General of ICRISAT. The Iranian delegation includes Elham Fattahifar, Director General for Greenhouses and Medicinal Plants, Parisa Pourali and senior saffron specialist Ramin Esmi from the Iranian Ministry of Agriculture Jahad.
Addressing the gathering, Prof Nazir Ahmed Ganai highlighted SKUAST K’s growing national standing and its focus on advanced research. He said the interaction with Iranian experts would enable meaningful exchange of traditional knowledge and modern scientific practices. Dr Stanford Blade expressed confidence that the collaboration would lead to sustained global research partnerships and academic exchanges.
The session was attended by Director Research Prof Haroon Naik, Registrar Prof Azmat Alam Khan, heads of divisions, scientists associated with saffron research and research scholars. A keynote address was delivered by noted saffron expert Dr F A Nehvi, former head of the Saffron Research Station, who spoke on climate change challenges and stressed the need for crop modeling to safeguard the sustainability of the saffron sector.
During the visit, the delegation will tour key facilities including the SKUAST K Incubation Centre, Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning and the Research Centre for Residue and Quality Analysis. They will also visit the Advanced Research Station for Saffron and Seed Spices and the India International Kashmir Saffron Trading Centre at Dusu Pampore to study GI tagging and e auction mechanisms. The programme is being coordinated by Dr Manzoor Husain Dar of ICRISAT and Prof Sher A Dar of SKUAST K and aims to develop a shared roadmap to enhance saffron traceability and global market value.
