Complete Guide to Saffron Cultivation in India

Saffron, popularly known as Kesar, is one of the most expensive and valuable spices in the world. Due to its high price and increasing demand in domestic and international markets, many farmers and agri-entrepreneurs are showing interest in saffron cultivation in India.

This detailed guide explains everything about kesar farming, from climate and soil requirements to yield, and government support schemes.

Introduction to Saffron (Kesar)

Botanical Name

• Crocus sativus L.
• Family: Iridaceae

Saffron is obtained from the dried red stigmas of the saffron flower. Each flower produces only three stigmas, which makes saffron rare and costly.

Importance and Economic Value

Saffron is widely used in:

• Food and sweets (biryani, kheer, desserts)
• Ayurvedic and herbal medicines
• Cosmetics and skincare products
• Religious ceremonies
• Perfume industry

Economic Importance

• One of the highest-priced spices globally.
• High export potential.
• Suitable for small landholders due to high value per unit area.
• Growing demand in luxury and health segments.

Why Saffron is Called “Red Gold”

Saffron is known as “Red Gold” because:

• It has a deep red color.
• It requires manual harvesting.
• Only 150,000–200,000 flowers are needed to produce 1 kg saffron.
• Market price ranges from ₹2,00,000 to ₹3,50,000 per kg (quality dependent).

Its high value and limited production make it comparable to gold in price.

Climate and Soil Requirements

Understanding the climate for saffron cultivation is very important for success.

Ideal Temperature

Saffron requires a cold winter and warm summer.

Ideal temperature:

• Summer: 20°C to 35°C
• Winter: -5°C to 15°C

It needs a dormancy period during summer.

Rainfall

• Annual rainfall requirement: 1000–1500 mm
• Rain during flowering is harmful.
• Excess rainfall causes fungal diseases.

Dry climate during flowering is best.

Suitable Soil Type and pH

• Well-drained sandy loam soil is ideal.
• Rich in organic matter.
• Soil pH: 6.0 to 8.0
• Avoid heavy clay soils and waterlogged areas.

Farmer Tip: Always ensure proper drainage. Waterlogging is the biggest enemy of saffron farming.

Suitable Varieties of Saffron

Major Varieties Grown in India

In India, mainly one species is cultivated:

Crocus sativus (Kashmiri Saffron)

Under this, there are three types based on stigma quality:

1. Mongra (highest quality)
2. Lacha
3. Guchhi

Differences Between Kashmiri, Iranian, and Spanish Saffron

Kashmiri saffron is considered premium due to its high aroma and coloring strength.

Land Preparation

Proper land preparation ensures better corm development.

Ploughing

• 2–3 deep ploughings are required.
• Remove weeds and stones.
• Make soil loose and well-aerated.

Organic Manure Application

• Apply 10–15 tons of well-decomposed FYM per acre.
• Mix thoroughly during last ploughing.
• Vermicompost can also be used.

Bed Preparation

• Raised beds are recommended.
• Bed width: 1–1.5 meters.
• Height: 15–20 cm.
• Provide drainage channels between beds.

Planting Material (Corms)

Corms are underground bulb-like structures used for planting.

Selection of Healthy Corms

• Disease-free
• Firm and heavy
• No fungal infection
• No mechanical damage

Size and Weight

• Ideal corm size: 2.5–3.5 cm diameter
• Weight: 8–12 grams

Larger corms give better yield in the first year.

Quantity Required Per Acre

• Around 1.5 to 2 tons of corms per acre
• Approximately 4–5 lakh corms per acre

Planting Season and Method

Best Planting Time in India

• July to September (depending on region)
• In Kashmir: August is ideal

Spacing

• Row to row: 20 cm
• Plant to plant: 10 cm

Depth of Planting

• 10–15 cm deep

Deeper planting helps protect corms from temperature fluctuations.

Irrigation Management

When to Irrigate

• First irrigation after planting.
• Light irrigation before flowering.
• Avoid irrigation during flowering.

Water Requirement

• Saffron requires limited irrigation.
• 3–4 irrigations per season are sufficient.

Avoiding Waterlogging

• Ensure proper drainage.
• Avoid low-lying fields.

Nutrient Management

Organic Fertilizers

• FYM: 10–15 tons/acre
• Vermicompost: 2–3 tons/acre
• Neem cake: 200–300 kg/acre

Recommended NPK Dosage

• Nitrogen: 20–30 kg/acre
• Phosphorus: 20–25 kg/acre
• Potassium: 20–25 kg/acre

Apply in split doses.

Micronutrients

• Zinc and Boron improve flower production.
• Soil testing is recommended before application.

Weed Management

Manual Weeding

• 2–3 hand weedings required.
• First weeding 20–25 days after planting.

Mulching

• Use dry straw.
• Controls weeds and conserves moisture.

Herbicide Options

Chemical control is not widely recommended. If necessary:

• Pre-emergence herbicide under expert guidance only.

Pest and Disease Management

Common Pests

• Rodents
• Nematodes

Control:

• Field sanitation
• Traps for rodents

Fungal Diseases

• Corm rot
• Fusarium wilt

Control:

• Treat corms with fungicide before planting.
• Ensure good drainage.

Preventive Measures

• Use certified planting material.
• Rotate crops.
• Avoid continuous saffron cultivation in same field.

Flowering and Harvesting

Flowering Duration

• October to November
• Lasts for 15–20 days

Harvesting Method

• Flowers are hand-picked early morning.
• Harvest daily during flowering period.

Stigma Separation Process

• Separate red stigmas manually.
• Avoid mixing with yellow parts.

Farmer Tip: Harvest early morning to maintain aroma and quality.

Post-Harvest Processing

Drying Methods

• Sun drying (traditional)
• Shade drying
• Electric dryer (best quality)

Proper drying reduces moisture to 8–10%.

Grading

Based on:

• Color
• Length of stigma
• Aroma
• Crocin content

Grades: Mongra (Grade I), Lacha (Grade II)

Storage Techniques

• Store in airtight containers.
• Keep away from light and moisture.
• Use glass containers.

Shelf life: 2–3 years.

Yield Per Acre

Average Production

• 2 to 4 kg per acre
• Good management: 5 kg per acre

Factors Affecting Yield

• Corm size
• Climate
• Soil fertility
• Disease management
• Irrigation practices

Government Schemes and Subsidies (India)

• National Saffron Mission (J&K)
• Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)
• PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME)
• NABARD support for agri-entrepreneurs

Subsidies available for:

• Irrigation systems
• Processing units
• Cold storage

Farmers should contact local horticulture department for updates.

Marketing and Export Opportunities

Saffron has strong domestic and international demand.

Domestic Market

• Sweet shops
• Ayurvedic companies
• Online marketplaces
• Cosmetic brands

Export Markets

• UAE
• USA
• Europe
• Saudi Arabia

Value Addition Ideas

• Branded saffron packaging
• Saffron milk mix
• Saffron-infused honey
• Herbal products

Challenges in Saffron Farming

• High initial investment
• Climate dependency
• Labor-intensive harvesting
• Disease risk
• Market price fluctuation

Practical Farmer Tips

• Start with small area first.
• Use large-sized corms.
• Ensure proper drainage.
• Maintain field hygiene.
• Build direct market connections.
• Focus on quality rather than quantity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can saffron be grown outside Kashmir?

Yes, with controlled conditions like polyhouse farming.

2. What is saffron yield per acre?

Average 2–4 kg per acre.

3. Is saffron farming profitable?

Yes, from second year onwards, profit can reach ₹4–8 lakhs per acre.

4. How many years does saffron crop last?

3–4 years in the same field.

5. What is the climate for saffron cultivation?

Cold winter and dry summer with good drainage.

Conclusion

Saffron cultivation in India offers high profit potential but requires proper planning, quality planting material, and scientific management. With increasing demand and government support, kesar farming can become a sustainable high-value crop option for progressive farmers and agri-entrepreneurs.

If managed correctly, saffron truly lives up to its name — “Red Gold.”