Saffron, hing cultivation begins in Janjehli

Our Correspondent

Palampur, November 11

Dr Shekhar C Mande, Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, who is also holding the post of Director General, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, on Tuesday inaugurated the cultivation of hing and saffron in Mandi district. During his visit to Janjehli, Dr Mande participated at a meeting with farmers, along with local panchayat leaders.

Dr NK Badhan, Director, Department of Agriculture, along with agriculture officials, was also present. Janjehli has a suitable agro-climatic condition required for the cultivation of the crops. He also addressed the farmers, department officials and local panchayat leaders.

Dr Mande stated that hing and saffron are the important spices used in cuisine and have medicinal properties. Both crops had a huge demand in food, flavour, dye and pharmaceutical industry. Their cultivation would benefit the farmers.

He appreciated the joint efforts of the CSIR-IHBT, the Agriculture Department and the government for partnering in the endeavour.

Dr Sanjay Kumar, Director, CSIR-IHBT, stated that saffron is one of the most expensive cash crops and known as red gold. Of the 300 tonnes of saffron produced the world over, the country has an annual domestic demand of 100 tonnes, but its production is less than six tonnes, grown mainly in Jammu and Kashmir. Hing (Asafoetida) is another popular condiment used in most cuisines.