Saffron Cultivation

Saffron is an aromatic and medicinal plant, popularly also known as 'Kesar'. In India, it is cultivated exclusively in Kishtwar, Jammu, and Pampore, Kashmir. It is a perennial plant, grown by planting corms. These corms are similar to onion bulbs. Flowers bloom from October to December every year. Only three threads of saffron can be obtained from one flower. Due to high prices in national and international markets, farmers cultivating saffron can earn significant profits. Let's explore some important information related to saffron cultivation in detail.

How to Cultivate Saffron?

• Time: The best time for saffron cultivation is July-August. In some regions, bulbs are also planted in May-June.
• Climate: Saffron is cultivated at an altitude of about 2,000 meters above sea level. It requires a cold, dry, and temperate climate with low humidity. The ideal temperature for saffron cultivation is between 20°C to 25°C. Frost or hail after the plants bloom can destroy the entire crop. The plants also need sunlight daily.
• Soil: For better plant growth, saffron should be cultivated in loamy soil. Sandy loam soil or calcareous clay soil is ideal for its cultivation. Choose soil that is dry and rich in organic matter, free of stones and pebbles. The soil pH level should be between 6.0 and 8.0, and it should have good water-holding capacity.
• Field Preparation: Ensure proper drainage while preparing the field, as waterlogging can ruin the crop. First, plow the field 3 to 4 times to make the soil crumbly. During the last plowing, add 8 tons of cow dung manure per acre. Also, use 58 kg of urea, 52 kg of DAP, and 33 kg of MOP per acre.
• Bulb Planting: Prepare holes 6 to 7 centimeters deep in the field for bulb planting. Keep about 10 centimeters distance between the holes. Plant the bulbs in these holes and fill them with soil.
• Sowing Method: The number of seeds required per acre depends on the size of the corm and planting density. On average, 1 kilogram of saffron threads contains about 200-250 corms. For one acre of land, 200,000 corms are needed. Each corm should weigh about 8 grams. A spacing of 20*10 centimeters is ideal for larger corms. Sow the corms at a depth of 12-15 centimeters and a distance of 10-12 centimeters. Treat the corms with mancozeb or carbendazim before sowing.
• Irrigation Management: After planting tubers, if there is light rainfall, irrigation is not needed. In the absence of rain, irrigate 2 to 3 times at intervals of 15 days. Ensure there is no waterlogging in the field during irrigation.
• Weed Control: Saffron crops often see the growth of wild grasses. Regular weeding and hoeing should be done to control these. If the weed problem is severe, chemical herbicides can be used. Consult agricultural experts before using chemical herbicides.
• Disease and Pest Control: Saffron plants are highly susceptible to various diseases and pests, including leaf blight, tuber rot, aphids, thrips, white grub, mites, etc. Controlling these diseases and pests is crucial for obtaining high-quality saffron. At the first sign of any disease or pest infestation, use appropriate chemical inputs or consult agricultural experts immediately.
• Harvesting Saffron Flowers: About 3 to 4 months after planting, the saffron plants start blooming. Flowers bloom from October to December every year. The flowers should be harvested when their petals turn red or saffron-colored. Harvest the flowers the day after they bloom.
• Harvesting Method and Yield: Saffron flowers should be picked the day after they bloom. After picking, place the flowers in a shaded area. Using a solar dryer or hot air dryer at around 40-50°C, the flowers take about 4 to 7 hours to dry. Once dried, the saffron threads are extracted from the flowers. Each saffron flower yields only three threads. Approximately 150,000 Kashmiri Mongra saffron flowers are needed to produce 1 kilogram of saffron.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Where and how is saffron cultivated?

A: Saffron is primarily grown in the Kashmir Valley of India. It is a labor-intensive crop requiring specific climate and soil conditions. The saffron flowers bloom in autumn, and the stigmas are hand-picked and dried to produce the spice.

Q: In which months is saffron cultivated?

A: In India, saffron cultivation takes place between May and August. The planting time of corms can vary slightly depending on the region and weather conditions.

Q: How many times a year does saffron bloom?

A: Saffron flowers bloom only once a year. The flowers appear for about two weeks in autumn, around October and November in India. Harvesting of saffron usually occurs during this period.