Rama Krishna Sangem
One of the costliest crops, saffron or kesari, can be grown in Telangana soils too, proved a project taken up at Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University (SKLTHU) with the support of NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development). Till now saffron is mostly grown in Kashmir valley only as the climatic conditions there are suitable for the crop. In view of the higher price the crop commands, up to Rs 650- Rs 800, farmers of other areas too show interest grow it.
A research project taken up at SKLTHU’s Mojerla college in Wanaparthy district led by professor Dr Pidigam Saidaiah with the support of NABARD, it has been proven that saffron can be grown commercially in Telangana lands. University Vice Chancellor Dr Danda Raji Reddy appreciated the project and said that the saffron crop grown as part of the project yielded good results. Here in a controlled conditions, saffron is cultivated in aeroponic method in the laboratory, in an area of 200 sq feet.
Here the research has been going on for the last two months. Training programmes have been held for farmers, rural yoth and those who are interested in saffron cultivation. Through innovative methods, those who come forward to take up this crop could enhance their agricultural incomes by getting better price for their produce. NABARD Telangana Chief General Manager B Uday Bhaskar who visited the project urged the farmers to make use of this project.
Kashmir famous for saffron
Till now, this precious crop is grown in parts of Kashmir like Pulwama’s Pamphor area only. This produce has worldwide demand and commands higher prices depending the seasonal demand and supply. However, due to spreading real estate business and environmental changes, the area under saffron cultivation has been fast decreasing here. In this context, research is being done to explore possibilities of growing saffron elsewhere in the country.
Alternative and better cultivation methods too are being experimented to increase the saffron produce. As of now, two methods, hydroponic and aeroponic, are available but researchers are opting for the latter as the best practice. Full scale controlled environment similar to Kashmir conditions are created for growing saffron in the project. Air, humidity, light and carbon dioxide etc too are properly arranged and the right equipment is provided too.
Cultivation of the crop is monitored through an App, so the cost of labour too are minimized, said Dr Saidaiah, principal investigator of the project in a press release on November 13, Thursday. Dr Raji Reddy said on the occasion that the saffron project can be a model for other similar research projects in the university. This new technologies developed in the project would be made available to all farmers. Uday Bhaskar and Dr Saidaiah urged farmers and all those interested in the saffron project can get more details @mobile 7780509322.