Saffron

Why in news?

• The Department of Science and Technology (DST), is  looking at extending cultivation of Saffron to some states in the Northeast and is running a pilot project has yielded successful results in Yangyang village of South Sikkim,

About Saffron:

• Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, commonly known as the "saffron crocus".
• The dried stigmas (thread-like parts of the flower) are used to make saffron spice.
• Saffron plant needs heat and dryness in summer and a moist environment.
• It can tolerate extreme cold during winter.
• Iran produces some 90% of the world total for saffron while Saffron cultivation in India is mainly done in the states of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.
• India cultivates about 6 to 7 tonne of saffron annually, but in order to meet the 100 tonne demand, saffron is imported.
• A kilo of saffron grown here costs anywhere between Rs 1.5 to Rs 2 lakh.
• Cultivation is extremely labour intensive, and it can take 75,000 saffron blossoms to produce a single pound of saffron spice.

Saffron cultivation in Kashmir:

• The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has included Saffron Cultivation in Kashmir in its list of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems.
• Saffron is mentioned in the 5th century B.C in Kashmiri records and is still part of the agricultural economy as an annual cash crop.
• Cultivation is primarily done in around 3,200 hectares of Pampore Karewas in Pampore, followed by Budgam, Srinagar and Kishtwar districts.
• Farmers do not use chemical fertilizers or pesticides and is generally followed with linseed/oats/wheat under crop rotation.

PRELIMS QUESTION

Which of the following agricultural systems are included in FAO’s list of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems:
1.Koraput Traditional Agriculture
2.Kuttanad Below Sea Level Farming System
3.Apatani cultivation in Ziro valley
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a)1 and 2 only
(b)2 and 3 only
(c)1 and 3 only
(d)1,2, and 3

Answer to prelims question