India: The Saffron Growers Association (SGA) has said that cement plants in Kashmir are causing dust pollution, to which the association attributed the decline of the local saffron industry. Down to Earth News has reported that the SGA alleges that the state’s traditional crop has ceased to be profitable because of extra costs arising from the fall of dust during flowering season. The association added that pollutants such as nitrous oxides (NOx) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) can also affect saffron’s growth.
The SGA called on authorities to regulate the construction of cement plants and their emissions more closely.