India is now going to produce more and more saffron with Himachal Pradesh based ‘Council of Scientific and Industrial Research’ (CSIR)- ‘Institute of Himalayan Bio resource Technology’ (IHBT) experimenting with cultivation of saffron crop and bulbs called corms. Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of crocus sativus commonly known as ‘saffron crocus’. The crimson stigma and styles, called threads are collected and dried to be used mainly as a seasoning and colouring agent in various dishes. Saffron is the world's most costly spice by weight. India produces 6-7 tonnes of it per year whereas the annual demand in the country is 100 tonnes per year. Due to this, India imports saffron from countries like Iran and Afghanistan. To bring in a change in that, India is trying to grow more saffron in the country itself. With CSIR conducting researches on the crop’s production, more and more saffron is being produced in areas of Ladakh to Bharmour in Himachal Pradesh. Dr Sanjay Kumar, CSIR-IHBT Director said, “The trials have been very successful in Ladakh. This was our first year of trial. You need to have three consecutive successful crops to ensure that the area is fit for saffron cultivation. Given the encouraging results this year, we are hopeful that areas in Ladakh are suitable for saffron cultivation”. Currently saffron crops are usually grown in India in pockets of Kashmir like Pampore and Kishtwar but now these crops will also be grown in other areas like Ladakh and places in Himachal Pradesh. The Agriculture Department of Government of Himachal Pradesh is planning to start pilot projects for farmers to grow saffron crops in Lahaul and Spiti and in Seraj Valley.
