India’s Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT) and the Government of Himachal Pradesh are joining forces to boost the production of two key spices: Saffron and Heeng (asafoetida). The plan involves importing new varieties of these spices and adapting them to Indian conditions. CSIR-IHBT, the only Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) laboratory in Himachal Pradesh, will play a crucial role in this process.
Saffron Production in India
India’s annual demand for Saffron spice is approximately 100 tons per year, but the country produces only around 6-7 tons annually, leading to significant import levels. Currently, about 2825 hectares of land in Jammu and Kashmir are dedicated to Saffron cultivation. Notably, Kashmir saffron was recently awarded Geographical Indication (GI) tag status, recognizing Pampore Saffron Heritage of Kashmir as one of India’s Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS). Such systems signify models of sustainable agricultural production, with the only other recognitions in India being for Kuttanad Below Sea Level Farming in Kerala and Koraput Traditional Agriculture in Odisha. CSIR-IHBT is also promoting Saffron cultivation in non-traditional areas in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand and has developed a tissue-culture protocol for disease-free corm production.
Heeng Imports in India
Heeng, a perennial plant that yields resin from its roots after five years, can grow in the unutilized, sloping land of cold desert regions. However, there is currently no domestic Heeng production in India; about 1200 tons of raw Heeng worth Rs 600 crore are imported annually from Afghanistan, Iran, and Uzbekistan.
Benefits of Increased Saffron and Heeng Production
The introduction of CSIR-IHBT-developed Heeng and Saffron crops aims to decrease imports of these spices and expand cultivation over 750 acres in Himachal Pradesh in the next five years. This expansion will generate livelihoods for state farmers. Additionally, CSIR-IHBT plans to provide capacity building, skill development, state agriculture department officer and farmer training, and establish Saffron and Heeng seed production centers in the state.
Way Forward
This initiative will facilitate multi-dimensional development in the state by providing technical expertise to farmers and establishing local Saffron and Heeng seed production centers. By reducing spice imports, the plan will diversify the agricultural sector and support the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (Self-reliant India) initiative in the agricultural sector. The collaboration between government and research institutions is a promising example of leveraging scientific know-how for agricultural self-reliance and sustainability.
