Abstract
Saffron is managed in traditional way in Kashmir and its cultivation methods are almost unchanged for centuries. For sustainable production of saffron, both production and productivity needs to be enhanced involving genetic improvement of available stock, good agricultural practices, proper seed replacement rate, increasing area under cultivation and mechanization of cultivation. Lack of awareness among the farmers about causes and concerns of low production and productivity is one of the major problems that need to be addressed. Krishi Vigyan Kendra of SKUAST-Kashmir can serve efficient technology delivery system for transfer of proven technologies with high income productivity, provided saffron farmers visit such centres. Krishi Vigyan Kendras are providing farm advisory services on modern technology by imparting training to the saffron farmers, practical demonstrations and field visits. Efforts are also being made to disseminate the technologies in non-traditional areas for promotion of area expansion in new areas of Kashmir through conduct of on farm trials. Krishi Vigyan Kendras can function as bridge between technology generators and technology adaptors. Sustainability of saffron in future will depend on capacity building for promotion of small scale industrial units, for fabrication of low cost dryers, burrow fumigators, corm graders and weeders. Efforts need to be accelerated for development of Self Help Groups to be recognised as certified corm growers for authentication and availability of quality planting material.