How is Saffron Cultivated?
The cultivation of saffron is traditional art. In India over 6,000 hectares of land are devoted to the cultivation of saffron, with the annual production totaling about fifteen thousand kilograms. The states of Kashmiri, Jammul, Himachal, and Pradesh, are the biggest saffron growing states in the whole of India. Sir, Water Lawrence in his book, "the valley of Kashmiri", gave a well-explained study of the cultivations of saffron and its uses.
To successfully grow saffron, these factors should be taken into consideration:
What kind of soil is suitable for planting saffron?
To successfully cultivate saffron, particular attention has to be given to the kind of soil it is to be grown on. Saffron thrives on acidic to neutral loamy, gravely and sandy soil; with an optimum soil PH of 6 to 8.
What kind of climate does Saffron thrive on?
Another important fact is the climate of the area. Saffron is best grown in warm sub-tropical climate.
How do I propagate saffron?
Propagation in saffron farming is done through compressed underground stems also known as corms.
How can I plant saffron?
Suitable land should be made weed free and enriched with organic matters. The soil should be brought to a tilth stage; through plowing before planting the corms.
When is the best time to cultivate saffron?
Saffron is best cultivated between June and September. Winter is usually the vegetative growth season, and saffron leaves get dried out in May.
Where can I plant saffron?
Saffron corms can be planted indoors or outdoors; with a depth of 12 to 15cm, and 10 to the 12cm spacing between them. Irrigation is not required except in the instance of prolonged drought. One saffron corm could develop up to 5 corms after 3 years of planting.
How can weed be controlled in saffron farming?
Mulching aids weed control in saffron farming. In saffron farming, plants are mulched with sawdust to reduce weed growth. Farmers also used weedicide.
Can I use of fertilizers in saffron farming?
It is advised to use more of farm manure. Well decomposed farm manure of up to 30 tonnes should be applied in the field, even before planting saffron corms to prepare the land.
What kind of pest and diseases affect saffron farming?
Some problems most saffron farmers face are diseases which affect saffron trees. Some of these diseases include; corm rot, bacteria rot, charcoal rot, mosaic and dry rot. Diseases like fusarium, Rhizoctonia and violet root rot affect saffron farms. This is why farmers should make provisions for horticultural experts. Rabbits are the major pest of saffron farms. Proper fences should be put in place to protect the farm.
When can I harvest saffron?
Harvesting in saffron farming should be done when the flowers are in their full bloom stage. This is usually between October and November. It is advised to pick the flowers before 10 am each morning. After this, the farmer can proceed with the extraction of the red pistils from the flowers.
How is drying done in saffron farming?
The extracted pistils should be put on a sieve in a well-ventilated place, for 10 – 20 minutes. After it is dried, saffron should be placed in an airtight container for at least one month before the consumption of the spice.
Finally, to enhance saffron production growers must;
- Have good quality and high yield seeds
- Have enough space for cultivation
- Get adequate training on how to properly package the produce
- Have an expert to consult in the event of any complication