A recent pilot project in Sikkim’s Yangyang village has successfully produced its first saffron crop, highlighting the potential for expanded cultivation of the precious spice in northeastern India. The project represents an innovative step towards diversifying agricultural production and meeting domestic demand for saffron.
About Saffron
Saffron, derived from the dried stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower, is a famed ingredient in Kashmiri cuisine, emblematic of the region’s rich cultural heritage. Thought to have been introduced to Kashmir by Central Asian immigrants in the 1st Century BCE, saffron – or ‘bahukam’ as it is referred to in ancient Sanskrit literature – is cultivated in the Karewa highlands of Jammu and Kashmir.
This highly prized spice boasts numerous applications, from medicinal and cosmetic use to culinary inclusion.
Cultivation Conditions and Seasonality
Historically constrained geographically due to specific cultivation requirements, saffron thrives best at altitudes of 2,000 meters above sea level and in areas with a sunlight photoperiod of 12 hours. Suitable soil types range from calcareous, humus-rich, well-drained soils with a pH value between 6 and 8. Seasonally, saffron corms (seeds) are planted in India during June and July, and flowering begins by October.
Climate and Rainfall Requirements
Climate conditions also play a crucial role in saffron cultivation. The crop requires distinct summer and winter seasons, with temperatures ranging from 35-40°C in summer to -15°C to -20°C in winter. Besides, annual rainfall between 1,000-1,500mm is needed for optimal growth.
Saffron Production in India
Until recently, saffron production in India was limited to the Union territory of Jammu & Kashmir. The Pampore region, designated a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS), is the main contributor to saffron output in India. Other districts involved in saffron production include Budgam, Srinagar, and Kishtwar. Recognizing its superior quality, Kashmiri saffron recently received Geographical Indication (GI) tag status.
Meeting the Demand for Saffron in India
Despite producing around 6-7 tonnes of saffron annually, India’s domestic demand stands at 100 tonnes, demonstrating a glaring mismatch. In an attempt to meet this soaring demand and reduce imports, the Ministry of Science and Technology initiated pilot projects to explore extending saffron cultivation to Sikkim, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh, citing similarities in climatic and geographical conditions.
Reducing Dependency on Imports and Diversifying Agriculture
The project-specifically implemented in South Sikkim’s Yangyang village by the North East Centre For Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR) in association with the Botany and Horticulture departments of Sikkim Central University offers several benefits. Primarily, it aims to augment saffron production thereby meeting India’s annual demand, reducing imports, providing new opportunities to northeast farmers, and diversifying agricultural activities.
Initiatives to Boost Saffron Production
To further bolster saffron cultivation, the central government sanctioned the National Saffron Mission in 2010. This mission aims to enhance irrigation facilities and improve crop production. Recently, the Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT) partnered with the Government of Himachal Pradesh to increase the production of saffron and asafoetida (heeng), introducing new varieties and standardizing them under Indian conditions.
A Step Towards Atmanirbhar Bharat in the Agricultural Sector
Efforts such as the National Saffron Mission and extension of saffron cultivation to northeast India underscore a shift towards self-sufficiency, or ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ in the agricultural sector. By harnessing geographical and climatic similarities, these strategies aim to capitalize on India’s agricultural diversity while meeting the ever-increasing domestic demand for high-value crops like saffron.
