Event Overview
ICAR-All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Spices, Srinagar Centre, has successfully organized one day programme on Kalazeera at Advanced Research Station for Saffron and Temperate Seed Spices, SKUAST-Kashmir, Pampore on 13-05-2026. The programme was formally inaugurated by Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir accompanied by the Director Extension, SKUAST-Kashmir.
During the interaction, the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor took detailed note of the promising Kalazeera genotype SRS-KZ-177 and reviewed the availability of quality seed material, as the genotype is proposed for national release during the current year for the North Hill Zone. He also sought comprehensive information regarding the multi-location performance of the genotype across different agro-climatic locations to ensure its wider adaptability among the farming communities of the North Hill Zone.
Moreover, he stressed the importance of strengthening the research programmes under the All India Coordinated Research Project on Spices, particularly for Saffron, Kala-zeera and other temperate seed spices with greater focus on varietal improvement, production technologies and sustainable crop management practices. In addition, a detailed discussion was held regarding the sustainable promotion of saffron as a heritage crop of Kashmir. Special emphasis was laid on enhancing saffron productivity, quality and global competitiveness through scientific interventions, advanced production technologies and innovative research approaches.
The Hon’ble Vice Chancellor highly appreciated the research, extension and developmental activities being undertaken at the station and expressed satisfaction over the significant achievements accomplished by ARSS&TSS in the areas of Kala-zeera, Saffron and other temperate seed spices research.
