How saffron grows in New India, even miles away from Kashmir

Saffron is loved by Indians. Be it our pulaos or curries, a dash of saffron makes everything better. However, over the years, saffron has not just limited itself to its cultural significance, but also turned up its volume on trade front. India is the second-largest producer of the golden spice in the world, with 7% of it coming from the country.

The world's most expensive spice is also notoriously tricky to grow. The harvesting process requires equal hardwork. But with new technologies, the harvesting of saffron is moving from the valley of Kashmir to smaller rooms in Haryana, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.

As per a report by The Times of India, students, aspiring entrepreneurs and even software engineers who have no experience in farming are now jumping in the fray to grow the 'red gold'.

Two of the early entreprenurs to try 'lab' saffron in a non-traditional region are Haryana-based Naveen and Praveen Sindhu, who previously used to grow medicinal mushrooms. “We started about three to four years ago. It is as technical as cultivating Cordyceps militaris, a fungus species. We do indoor farming with automated devices to control the temperature, humidity and light to grow the flower that yields saffron,” Naveen was quoted as saying by TOI. They harvested about 5kg saffron last year, 70% of which was exported to countries like US, Dubai and Canada.

Software engineer Shailesh Modak, who had no experience in farming, is another successful cultivator in the non-hilly region of Pune. “The corms need to be constantly monitored as the weather conditions are critical. The corms or bulbs are planted in late June or early July and they bear flowers by October or early November,” said the owner of 365Dfarms, while talking about the challenges of growing the flower.

Data from the agriculture department shows that the golden crop has scripted history, with Kashmir producing 16.34 metric tonnes of saffron last year - the highest in 27 years. Officials credit the National Saffron Mission, which introduced new technologies and more expertise in the field.