Meghalaya: Government will aim to increase saffron cultivation in north-eastern states

Meghalaya: The Center aims to increase azafran cultivation in Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya with the aim of increasing farm income. This high-value species is known for its medicinal properties due to its bioactive compounds and is priced at at least Rs 3.5 lakh per kg. In 2020, the Center for Application and Advancement of Technology (NECTAR), which operates independently under the Department of Science and Technology of the Central Government, launched a pilot project. The company procured azafran seeds from different groups of growers in Kashmir before distributing them to 64 farmers located in Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Mizoram. NECTAR Director General Arun Sarma told the media that the pilot project will produce azafran seeds and flowers with better results. This encouraging result shows that soil composition and climatic conditions are ideal for cultivation of this valuable species in some areas of North-East India. With the support of the competent state authorities, the Azfran farming project is set to be expanded thanks to NECTAR. The Director General expressed the readiness and enthusiasm of his office to undertake this endeavour. The NECTAR Azafran farming project is directed by Colin Z. Ranthly, a scientist and high-level official, who has expressed his satisfaction with the results so far. Despite large parts of the north-eastern region being in a snow-free environment, the crops have been very promising, showing how adaptable Azafran can be to the diverse conditions of the region. Mairang and Thangsingh districts of Meghalaya were the hosts of the implementation of this project. Sister Reshmi, who serves as the Director of the Home of Crianza of the Sociedad de Servicios Sociales de Vale Springs, stationed in Mairang, successfully cultivated azafran seeds in a quantity of about 100 kg, ultimately producing more than two million mature flowers. Happened. This incredible treasure was possible due to the regional conditions like cold and drought, which were conducive to the growth of these types of plants. Sister Reshmi said that Ajafran has immense potential to be a commercially profitable crop for Mairang families. They believe that this is because of its ability to withstand severe frost in the winter season. He also highlights the story of the triumph of Padianghun Kharumnuid in Thangsing, who harvested over 2,000 flowers with the corms provided and experimented with similar success. The positive results of the initial initiative are creating momentum to transform azafran production into a source of reliable income for growers in the Northeast. Through collaboration between the federal government and state administrations, the expansion of this crop has significant potential to revolutionize the region’s agriculture and improve its financial well-being.