Saffron successfully cultivated in Sikkim for the first time

Gangtok: Saffron ( Kesar), traditionally grown in the valleys of Kashmir, has now been cultivated in Sikkim for the first time. This is possibly the first time that the crop has been grown in the Northeast Indian region.

The possibility of its cultivation in Sikkim was explored jointly by North East Centre for Technology Applications and Reach (NECTAR) and Sikkim University when Vice -Chancellor Avinash Khare was approached to explore the possibily.

Arun Kr Sarma was directed for cultivation trial in Sikkim through scientific intervention. Accordingly, Dr Sarma took the initiative and NECTAR approved a pilot project to Swami Satyananda ashram of Ranchi to carry out the project at Sikkim University's permanent campus at Yangang.

The day to day monitoring of the cultivation field was carried out by experienced farmer from Kasmir Pradeep Singh, who also transported 100 kilo of Saffron bulb for cultivation under the same project.

This development gains extra significance as it is the first succesful cultivation of Saffron in Sikkim and possibly in Northeast India.

This success of the saffron cultivation in Sikkim sufficiently indicates the poasibility of cultivation of saffron in Sikkim. This could open up immense possibilities for indigenous farmers as saffron is a cash crop and its demand is very high all over India.

Further work and a detailed scientific evolution of diverse parameters for commercial and societal applications and outreach is required which will be undertaken soon.

Gangtok: Saffron ( Kesar), traditionally grown in the valleys of Kashmir, has now been cultivated in Sikkim for the first time. This is possibly the first time that the crop has been grown in the Northeast Indian region.

The possibility of its cultivation in Sikkim was explored jointly by North East Centre for Technology Applications and Reach (NECTAR) and Sikkim University when Vice -Chancellor Avinash Khare was approached to explore the possibily.

Arun Kr Sarma was directed for cultivation trial in Sikkim through scientific intervention. Accordingly, Dr Sarma took the initiative and NECTAR approved a pilot project to Swami Satyananda ashram of Ranchi to carry out the project at Sikkim University's permanent campus at Yangang.

The day to day monitoring of the cultivation field was carried out by experienced farmer from Kasmir Pradeep Singh, who also transported 100 kilo of Saffron bulb for cultivation under the same project.

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This development gains extra significance as it is the first succesful cultivation of Saffron in Sikkim and possibly in Northeast India.

As per the monitoring farmer, the the size, colour and quality of plants as well as flowers are remarkably similar to those in Kashmir.

This success of the saffron cultivation in Sikkim sufficiently indicates the poasibility of cultivation of saffron in Sikkim. This could open up immense possibilities for indigenous farmers as saffron is a cash crop and its demand is very high all over India.

Further work and a detailed scientific evolution of diverse parameters for commercial and societal applications and outreach is required which will be undertaken soon.

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