Chandigarh's saffron revolution: IT professional, his team innovate kesar cultivation in unexpected places | Watch Video
PTC Web Desk: In a unique agricultural venture, Chandigarh's enterprising youths have initiated a pioneering experiment by cultivating saffron (kesar) in the city's industrial area. Traditionally associated with Kashmir, saffron farming is now finding new ground in Punjab and Chandigarh, promising potential commercial success.
Abhishek Arora, an IT professional, spearheads this unconventional farming project. Inspired by his international travels and a stint in the Middle East, Abhishek Arora recognised the cultivation potential of saffron, previously presumed to thrive only in colder climates. Motivated by the crop's high commercial value, he delved into extensive research during the Covid-19 lockdown period.
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Reflecting on the journey, Abhishek Arora expressed his initial challenges and the evolution of the project. "We initially faced setbacks, experimenting with saffron in our kitchen garden, resulting in spoilage. Determined to understand the disparity in soil conditions, we compared soil compositions between Kashmir and Chandigarh," he explained.
Contrary to expectations, soil analysis revealed Chandigarh's soil composition held more nutritional value than Kashmir's, despite minor differences. Utilising this revelation, the team adapted their farming practices to align with their soil's unique qualities, setting the stage for their saffron cultivation experiment.
The cultivation setup involves maintaining a controlled temperature, replicating colder climates essential for saffron growth. Arora shared insights into the specialised arrangements, involving a chiller unit and an ambient temperature of 7 degrees Celsius, essential for the saffron crop's cultivation.
Initially investing between Rs 4 and Rs 5 lakh, the team continues to gradually expand operations, even accommodating those without land by employing grow bags adaptable to specific temperature settings.
Arora emphasised the consumer concerns surrounding saffron purity and highlighted prevalent market adulteration issues. "Ensuring authenticity remains a challenge as saffron is a high-value crop," he stated, underscoring the importance of maintaining purity in a market often marred by counterfeit products.
This innovative saffron cultivation experiment not only signifies a departure from traditional farming practices but also holds promise for local agricultural diversification, potentially positioning Chandigarh as a novel hub for saffron production, challenging its conventional geographical constraints.
The team also provides training to farmers in saffron cultivation and organises camps on regular basis.
Checkout another success story from Punjab's Muktsar
- PTC NEWS
