Saffron crop hit by dry spells

31 Jul,2024

News Excerpt:

The saffron crop of Kashmir is facing significant challenges due to prolonged dry spells and climate change.

More detail about news:

Since early June, Kashmir has experienced a severe heatwave, with temperatures soaring to 34 degrees Celsius.
On July 3, the region recorded a temperature of 35.6 degrees Celsius, the highest in 25 years.
These climate changes have severely impacted the saffron fields spread across Pulwama and Budgam districts.

Declined Production:

Official data reveals that saffron production has decreased by 65% over the past two decades.
The annual production in 1990 was 15.95 tonnes, but by 2023-24, it had plummeted to 2.6 tonnes.
Similarly, the area dedicated to saffron cultivation shrank from 5,707 hectares in 1996-97 to 2,387.71 hectares in 2018-19.
Low snowfall and rain deficits have impacted production over the last several years.
Kashmir experienced a virtually snowless winter in 2024, which will inevitably affect the crops.
If the dry spell continues through August, the saffron crop will be severely affected. August is a critical time for soil moisture as farmers prepare their fields.
Many farmers have been forced to switch from saffron to apple orchards and other crops better suited to the changing climate.

Drip Irrigation System:

In 2010, the government introduced a drip irrigation system under the ₹412-crore National Saffron Mission to combat dry spells.
However, farmers report that although a network of pipes was installed, it was never fully operational. Consequently, the saffron crop is losing its significance for farmers.

Saffron:

Saffron consists of the golden-colored, pungent stigmas (pollen-receiving structures) of the autumn crocus (Crocus sativus).
These stigmas are dried and used as a spice to flavor foods and as a dye to color various products.
Known for its strong exotic aroma and bitter taste, saffron is a key ingredient in many Mediterranean and Asian dishes, especially rice and fish, as well as in English, Scandinavian, and Balkan breads.
While saffron is primarily cultivated in Iran, it is also grown in Spain, France, Italy (particularly on the lower slopes of the Apennines), and parts of India.
The crop is labor-intensive, as the stigmas must be handpicked from each flower, spread on trays, and dried over charcoal fires for use in food flavoring and coloring.

Soil and Climate Requirements:

In saffron farming, soil type is more crucial than climate.
Saffron thrives in warm subtropical climates and can be grown at elevations of 2000 meters above sea level.
It requires about 12 hours of sunlight daily.
Low temperatures combined with high humidity during the flowering season can negatively impact saffron blooms, whereas spring rains can boost the production of new corms.
Saffron grows well in acidic to neutral, gravelly, loamy, and sandy soils that are well-drained, with an optimal soil pH of 6 to 8.
Heavy clay soils are unsuitable for saffron farming and should be avoided.