Saffron Threads

Description :

• Saffron by nature is low input demanding crop in terms of energy,water and nutrients.
• Its cultivation in Kashmir was introduced by Central Asian Immigrants.The Kashmiri
• Vaids namely Veghbhata and Sushtra used in Saffron as an important ingredient.
• Saffron is a cultural asset associated with a considerable amount of indigenous knowledge.
• Today, saffron is cultivated from the Western Mediterranean (Spain) to India (Kashmir). Spain and Iran are the largest producers, accounting together for more than 80% of the
• World’s production, which is approximately 300 tons per year.

Varieties :
Modern saffron is entirely hybrid and does not set seed at all—all propagation is vegetative. “Cultivars” are very rarely mentioned by home-garden seedsmen in connection with saffron, though there are certainly plenty enough out there; premier types from around the saffron-growing world include “Aquila” (Italy), “Mongra” aka “Lacha” (Kashmir—Crocus sativa Cashmirianus, said to be an especially fine producer in northern gardens), “Superior” and “Creme” (Spain), and “Pennsylvania Dutch” (U.S.—known for its “earthy” notes). No bulbs offered at retail in North America are (so far as we found) identified by cultivar, and are very unlikely to be any of those prized sorts.

Management :
Modern saffron is entirely hybrid and does not set seed at all—all propagation is vegetative. “Cultivars” are very rarely mentioned by home-garden seedsmen in connection with saffron, though there are certainly plenty enough out there; premier types from around the saffron-growing world include “Aquila” (Italy), “Mongra” aka “Lacha” (Kashmir—Crocus sativa Cashmirianus, said to be an especially fine producer in northern gardens), “Superior” and “Creme” (Spain), and “Pennsylvania Dutch” (U.S.—known for its “earthy” notes). No bulbs offered at retail in North America are (so far as we found) identified by cultivar, and are very unlikely to be any of those prized sorts.

Irrigation/Cultivation
Irrigation for saffron crop
If there is light rain a few days after planting the crop, there is no need to irrigate the field. But if there is no rain then we have to irrigate 2 to 3 times in a span of 15 days. During irrigation, it should be kept in mind that there should be no water deposits in the field and if water deposits occur, drainage should be arranged soon. If not arranged, crop will be affected.

Ideal Conditions for Saffron Cultivation
For commercial saffron production the basic requirement is fertile soil. Climate is the second big factor. It demands a good photoperiod and a dry soil with light moisture.

Climate for Saffron Cultivation
The cultivation of saffron is mainly found in both sunken and dry areas with an elevation of 1500 to 2500 meters above sea level. It needs Photoperiod of 12 hours, which gives a lot of benefits, and also makes the flowering process sluggish.

Land Preparation for Saffron Cultivation in India
Before plowing or planting saffron seeds, make the soil brittle by plowing the field thoroughly. Before the final plowing, put 20 tonnes of cow dung and 90 kg of nitrogen along with 60 kg of phosphorus and potas per hectare in your field and plow it well. With this, your land will remain fertile and rough and the saffron crop will be good to a great extent.