, Oct. 3 -- Timely rains crucial for flowering as growers flag rising temperatures, climate-related losses, seek revival of irrigation facilities

Srinagar, Oct 03: Saffron growers in Kashmir are pinning their hopes on timely rainfall, fearing that prolonged dry weather and high temperatures could hurt flowering and further reduce production this season.

Growers, according to the news agency-Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said inadequate soil moisture has raised concerns across saffron-growing areas, stressing that rainfall at this stage is critical for flowering and yields.

Abdul Majeed Wani, president of the Saffron Growers Association Kashmir, said high temperatures were a concern as saffron corms require favourable weather and adequat...