Sikkim: SU starts multi-locational trial to cultivate expensive saffron
First Published: 9th November, 2021 18:43 IST
Saffron the most expensive spice in India finding new roots in Sikkim. Following the Yangyang village in South Sikkim producing the first crop of saffron in September as a pilot
Saffron the most expensive spice in India finding new roots in Sikkim. Following the Yangyang village in South Sikkim producing the first crop of saffron in September as a pilot project. Now, the Sikkim University has been exploring the possibility of saffron (kesar) cultivation in the state and cultivation has been conducted in high altitude locations throughout the state.
According to a report, Dr Arun K Sarma, Director General, North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR) said that the crops have been grown across 1,000 square meters and once the saffron’s quality is determined, it will be multiplied tenfold in Sikkim.
A press release, from the Sikkim University, informs that the university’s vice-chancellor, Prof. Avinash Khare, and a team of researchers managed to meet online with the director of the Agriculture Department in Kashmir and several saffron experts to discuss various aspects of saffron cultivation. Following that, a team from Sikkim University travelled to Kashmir to learn about the spices cultivation techniques through visits to several farms and the Kashmir Saffron Centre of Excellence, as well as extensive interactions with farmers.
According to sources, the Sikkim University plans to monitor the adequacy of flowers from various locations and to conduct an extensive survey on soil and climatic parameters to correlate the yield and quality of saffron and, ultimately, to identify potential areas in the state. Also, before recommending commercial cultivation, the university will explore the management aspects for increasing productivity and economic feasibility over the next few years. So far, the results indicate that saffron cultivation in Sikkim is a viable option. High-altitude areas with prolonged and chilly winters with well-drained soil are ideal for saffron cultivation.
COMMENTS
TOPMOST STORY NOW
Live Vishal Kumar, Returning Officer for West Tripura LS seat briefs media
19th April 2024Live Nagaland Chief Electoral Officer briefs media after voting officially ends
19th April 2024Live Lok Sabha Polls: Meghalaya CEO BDR Tiwari briefs media
19th April 2024Live Indefinite shutdown and poll boycott in Eastern Nagaland: ENPO president speaks to Northeast Live
19th April 2024WE RECOMMEND
Peaceful voting underway in Sikkim: 147 candidates are in fray for 32 Assembly seats, 14 for lone LS seat
4 lakh 63 thousand 929 voters out of which 2,32,381 are male voters and 2,31,545 are female voters will decide the fate of the total 161 candidates in fray.
19th April 2024Polling for 15 of the 25 Lok Sabha seats in Northeast underway, 96 candidates in fray
As many as 35 candidates are in the fray in Assam, 10 each in Manipur and Meghalaya, 14 each in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, 6 in Mizoram 4 in Tripura and 3 in Nagaland.
19th April 2024Sikkim Assembly polls: Major setback for SKM, VP Lobzang Bhutia quits party, joins SDF
Lobzang, the Vice President of SKM had contested from Barfung constituency on an SKM ticket in 2019.
18th April 2024Sikkim Polls 2024: SDF spokesperson arrested over fake opinion poll
He was arrested by the Sadar Police from his residence in Sumbuk late last night.
18th April 2024Stage set for Sikkim Elections 2024: Over 4.6 lakh voters to cast vote for Assembly and Lok Sabha polls tomorrow
There are a total of 4,63,929 voters in Sikkim (as on 16/03/2024), out of which 2,32,381 are male voters and 2,31,545 are female voters.
18th April 2024