Porcupine Threat to Kashmir Saffron: Pampore Corm Damage
Why in the news
In Pampore, porcupines have started destroying saffron corms, the underground stems of the crop. Since the corms are perennial, the damage ends future flowering and causes lasting losses for growers of “Red Gold”.
Key facts
- Animal: Indian Crested Porcupine (Hystrix indica), the largest rodent in India, a nocturnal forager.
- Weight: 11 kg to 18 kg; the longest quills form a crest on the neck and shoulders.
- IUCN status: Least Concern; found across Southern Asia and the Middle East.
- Why rising: leopards, natural predators, are declining in Kashmir, so porcupine numbers are growing.
About Kashmir saffron
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Main area | Pampore, Pulwama district, the “Saffron Bowl” |
| Soil | Karewa, lake-derived silt, sand and clay with ideal drainage |
| Plant part | Corm, a perennial underground bulb-like stem |
| Yield effort | 150,000-175,000 flowers for 1 kg of dry saffron, hand-harvested |
| Usable part | Three crimson stigmas per flower |
| Top grade | Mongra, made of only the deep red tips |
| Recognition | Geographical Indication (GI) tag; known for high crocin and strong aroma |
Exam angle
- Species in news: Indian Crested Porcupine; IUCN: Least Concern.
- Soil type: Karewa; crocin gives saffron its colour, picrocrocin the taste, safranal the aroma.
- Highest grade: Mongra.