Saffron production in India hits 15 metric tonnes after two decades

For the first time in over 25 years, saffron production surpassed 15 metric tonnes last season, owing to timely rainfall that restored the dwindling crop yield and gave producers optimism. According to officials, saffron output has grown in recent years owing to timely rainfall, and the trend is projected to continue in the future since the sprinkle irrigation system used under the National Saffron Mission will be fully operational in the forthcoming season. According to a government official, around 65 percent of the irrigation system has been completed, and he believes the irrigation system will be completed this year. According to the Agriculture Department, saffron production peaked at 15 metric tonnes in 1996, when the land cover was around 5707 hectares. Over time, the land cover has decreased to around 3715 acres, and production has declined, causing many producers to abandon the crop. Crop yields, on the other hand, have grown in recent years, with officials crediting the ...