Saffron Cultivation in Leh Records First Bloom in 30 Days on Restored Degraded Land
Mir Aatif
Leh, Nov 4 (KINS): Experimental saffron cultivation on restored degraded land in Leh has recorded its first bloom within 30 days, compared to the usual period of around two months.
Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, in a post on social media platform X, said the first saffron bloom had been observed during an inspection of the experimental cultivation site.
According to the Lieutenant Governor, an average of 20 to 25 saffron flowers are blooming daily, while 72 flowers were recorded in a single morning. Nearly 22 grams of saffron have also been collected during the first four days of harvesting.
The development marks progress in efforts to explore the potential of saffron cultivation in Ladakh’s high-altitude conditions. The pilot project is expected to provide a basis for assessing the feasibility of expanding cultivation and developing agro-based activities in the region.
The Lieutenant Governor said the initiative could open opportunities for local farmers and entrepreneurs while contributing to the development of the agriculture sector and the local economy.
He also acknowledged the contribution of the Agriculture Department, UT Ladakh, and its field staff in implementing the pilot project.
