World’s costliest spice is ‘saffron’, this nation is on top in saffron production, not India, China, US, Pakistan, the name is…

This crop is widely used for flavouring and colouring milk and certain sweets, especially in the valley. Among produce by farmers in Jammu and Kashmir, saffron is termed the “legendary crop”, a gram of which sells for about Rs 350 in the retail market.

When we say saffron, the first thing which comes to our mind is Kashmir. This crop is widely used for flavouring and colouring milk and certain sweets, especially in the valley. Among produce by farmers in Jammu and Kashmir, saffron is termed the “legendary crop”, a gram of which sells for about Rs 350 in the retail market. The threads, made of crimson stigmas and styles, are harvested. It is used as a seasoning agent in cheese, mayonnaise, meat, as well.

Saffron is also used in organic cosmetics and natural medicine and is high in antioxidants. Cultivated on a on well-drained ‘karewa’ soil, sunlight and temperature have profound influence on its flowering. Also, at an elevation of about 2,000 metres above mean sea level.

Medicinal value

The spice is also . In Ayurveda, it is considered useful in healing arthritis, infertility, liver enlargement and fever. The institute, located in Jammu, is involved in drugs research and development. Under the Mission Atmanirbhar India, CSIR–IIIM envisages to further extend the crop on commercial scale in different non-traditional areas of the Valley.

India pioneering in Saffron production

The Palampur-based Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT) has developed the production technology for Saffron and introduced its cultivation in non-traditional areas of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Reports suggest that following successful trials in Seraj Valley since 2019, the Himachal Pradesh Agriculture Department will now start pilot projects for farmers to grow saffron in Lahaul and Spiti too.

Which nation has highest production?

But surprisingly, India is not the highest producer of this world’s costliest spice. The nation which has the highest production of his spice is Iran. Iran, India, Spain, and Greece together contribute over 85% of world’s saffron production. The total world production of saffron is around 300 tons per year. Though, India occupies the second largest area in terms of farming, the country produces approximately 7% of the total production. Spain, with 600 hectares of land is the third largest producer. Iran, Spain, and Greece, with intensive production technologies, have achieved higher production and productivity than India’s. According to reports, the annual demand of the saffron in India to around 100 tonnes, but its average production is about 7 tonnes per year.