November 19th 2020

In News

An experiment to grow Saffron is underway in Sikkim.

In-Detail

In India, the cultivation of saffron one of the most expensive spice is limited to a few areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
Now, the Ministry of Science and Technology with the help of the Department of Science and Technology (DST)is looking to extend its cultivation to some northeast states.
In the Yangyang village of South Sikkim, a pilot project has been done and the results were successful.
In September, the DST had produced the first crop of saffron across 1,000 square metres.
After the quality is assessed, the crop will be scaled up ten times in Sikkim itself.
The saffron cultivation has been limited to Pampore, Budgam, Srinagar and Kishtwar districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
Annually, India cultivates 6 to 7 tonnes of saffron.
A kilo saffron costs Rs1.5 to Rs 2 Lakhs.
The idea of cultivating the saffron in other areas was given by the NECTAR scientists.
In Sikkim, this project collaborates with the Botany and Horticulture department of Sikkim Central University.
Scientists tested the soil pH in Yangyang and compared with the soil where saffron is grown, especially Pampore area.
A Pampore based farmer was appointed to grow the saffron.
Seeds were collected from Pampore and scheduled like those undertaking in Kashmir which is followed in September and October.
At sub-zero temperatures, saffron needs to be underground for about 45 days.
Once when sown, in August it requires adequate rain.
The department, transported the saffron seeds by air from Kashmir to Yangyang.
During September and October, the seeds were irrigated with timely sprouting and good flower yields.
Scientists are looking to extend the cultivation of saffron to Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh.