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Topic: Saffron Cultivation in Sikkim

Why in News?

• The Ministry of Science and Technology, through the Department of Science and Technology (DST), is now looking at extending the cultivation of Saffron to some states in the northeast.
• So far, the cultivation of saffron – the most expensive spice – in India has been limited to a few areas in Jammu and Kashmir.

Implementing Bodies

• North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR), an autonomous body under the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India supported a pilot project to explore the feasibility of growing saffron in North East region of India, with the same quality and higher quantity.
• The Botany and Horticulture department of Sikkim Central University carried out tests to understand the soil and actual pH conditions of Yangyang of Sikkim and found it comparable to saffron growing places of Kashmir.

Saffron Cultivation Project: Sikkim

• Saffron seed/corms were purchased and air transported from Kashmir to Yangyang site by the department.
• One saffron grower was engaged and stationed to look after the complete growing process, along with the faculty of the university.
• Saffron needs to remain underground for about 45 days at sub-zero temperatures. It also requires adequate rain, especially if sown in August.
• It was grown across 1,000 square metres. Once the quality of the saffron is assessed, this will be scaled up ten times in Sikkim itself.
• The corms were irrigated during the month of September and October, which ensured timely corm sprouting and good flower yields. The matching of climatic and geographical conditions between Pampore (Kashmir) and Yangyang (Sikkim) led to the successful sample farming of Saffron in Yangyang.
• The project also focused on post-harvest management and value addition of saffron so that quality saffron drying and efficient post-harvest processing can improve saffron recovery, thereby improving its production.
• Further, detailed analysis and testing of all parameters, including soil testing, quality, quantity, and possible value addition are planned, for immediate results and extrapolation of the project to other parts of the North East Region along with Micro Food Enterprises.

Saffron Cultivation in India

• Saffron cultivation has long been restricted to a limited geographical area in J&K, mainly Pampore, followed by Budgam, Srinagar and Kishtwar districts.
• India cultivates about 6 to 7 tonne of saffron annually, but in order to meet the 100 tonne demand, saffron is imported. A kilo of saffron grown here costs anywhere between Rs 1.5 to Rs 2 lakh.
• The soil in Yangyang (Sikkim) is similar to the soil in areas of Kashmir where saffron is grown.