Transfer and adoption of technologies for socioeconomic gains

Saffron from cultivation till storage in Jammu and Kashmir is handled by farm women with a meager support by men. Though proven technologies are available but still productivity is low as adoption level is negligible which is primarily due to lack of awareness. Capacity development programme of saffron families associated with saffron cultivation has helped in establishment of 3 registered societies for market promotion, adoption of technologies over more than 2000 ha and seed corm growers' societies. Societies are being linked with the market to avoid the role of middle men which is a real cause of un organized marketing. Validation of technologies is being ensured through farmer's participatory research. Trainings imparted to more than 6000 saffron farmers irrespective of age and sex and officers of Agriculture Production Department is serving as a link between researchers and growers. Recently researchers have reached to new areas for promotion of saffron cultivation. Adoption of technologies through better understanding is expected to double the saffron production and economic gains.