Saffron production in India hits 15 metric tonnes after two decades

Published Mar 16, 2022

Tridge summary

Saffron production in the region has seen a significant increase, reaching over 15 metric tonnes for the first time in more than 25 years. This surge is largely due to timely rainfall and the implementation of the National Saffron Mission, which has led to the development of a sprinkle irrigation system. Despite losing cultivation land and facing challenges that drove many producers away, the initiative has shown positive results in recent years. A key aspect of the mission's success is the provision of technological support and crucial services to enhance saffron yield. However, there is still a gap between domestic demand and production, highlighting the need for continued efforts to improve saffron cultivation and address the shortfall.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

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 ...

Source: Krishi Jagran