Ladakh eyes saffron cultivation for agricultural growth

The Union Territory of Ladakh is taking significant steps toward cultivating saffron, with officials exploring its feasibility in the region’s unique climatic conditions. In a high-level meeting held at the Civil Secretariat in Leh, Administrative Secretary of the Agriculture Department Bhupesh Chaudhary reviewed the progress of saffron and asafoetida cultivation in Ladakh.

A representative from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Leh, provided insights into their ongoing saffron trials. The institute has been conducting experiments for the past two years to assess saffron’s adaptability to Ladakh’s soil and weather conditions. Encouraged by the preliminary findings, the Secretary directed CSIR-IIIM to collaborate closely with the Agriculture Department to transfer knowledge and expertise to local farmers.

The meeting also focused on identifying suitable villages in Leh and Kargil districts where saffron could be cultivated. Chaudhary emphasised that the Agriculture Department would initiate saffron farming on a trial basis this year, with technical inputs from CSIR-IIIM playing a crucial role. Additionally, he instructed officials to draft a comprehensive policy on saffron cultivation, which would include demonstration projects and training programmes for farmers, ensuring a smooth transition to large-scale production.

Apart from saffron, the meeting also addressed the cultivation of asafoetida. A representative from the Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), Leh, briefed attendees on the progress made in growing this valuable spice in Ladakh. Chaudhary further instructed officials to reach out to the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) to secure high-quality asafoetida seeds, ensuring that farmers in Ladakh have access to the best planting material.