Plantation of Saffron plants on trial basis in Manipur
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, March 17 2023:
As part of its attempt to help farmers grow highly profitable crops, the state government is all set to take up plantation of Saffron on trial basis.
Horticulture and Soil Conservation joint director k Devadutta Sharma informed The People's Chronicle that he is presently in Kashmir following instructions from chief minister N Biren and horticulture and soil -conservation minister Letpao Haokip to assess the plantation of Saffron and feasibility of launching similar projects in Manipur.
He has been visiting the Saffron cultivation areas of Ladpura and Awantipora in Pulwama districts of Kashmir along with the officials of agriculture department of Kashmir and farmers well versed in saffron plantation.
Since Saffron is suitable in cold areas, it is very likely that the plantation will be favourable in Ukhrul, Mao and Tengnoupal areas of Manipur.
Therefore, the plantation of Saffron will be carried in these areas on trial basis, he said while adding that the officials and experts of the state who will be providing technical support to farmers will be sent for training in Kashmir, if at all the trial comes out be successful.
Informing that Saffron plants once planted can be harvested periodically for 4 to 5 years, the joint director said that the plantation of the plant in a hectare of land will fetch around Rs 15 lakh.
Though single harvest cannot ensure sufficient income to a farmer, harvesting for around 4 to 5 cycles will bring sufficient income to the farmers, he added.
Devadutta Sharma also said that saffron can be planted alongside other crops and farmers can benefit out of multiple cropping.
Saffron also has medicinal value and is widely known for its aromatic value, he added.