Impact of Anthropogenic Activities on Growth of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in Pampore Saffron Fields

The present study was carried on the anthropogenic activities on saffron valley Pampore. This is located 14 kms in the south of Srinagar city. This valley is upland with plane topography containing dry soils (Caraways). Historians studying ancient records reveal that saffron cultivation under this valley is originated from 500 B.C. The total geographical area of this valley in the year 1995 was 2300 hectares which is reduced to 2000 hectares. This valley is the wealth of about 16 villages including Lehtpora, Chandhara, Barsoo, Kadlbal, Ladoo, Gundbal, Khrew, Wuyen, Namlibal, Chrshoo. The reduction of cultivation area of this valley is due to several anthropogenic activities. This valley is the entity and pride of Kashmir symbolizing Kashmiri culture and gives a fillip to ecological safety and social stability to farmers of Kashmir.