Saffron, also referred to as Kesar, is a well-priced spice derived from Crocus sativus. Saffron is known for its unique taste, smell, and bright colour; it has been used in many cuisines around the world due to its various health benefits. Kesar farming in India can be a lucrative business where the climatic and soil conditions of some areas are favourable for its cultivation.
In this regard, we will delve into the process of saffron cultivation in a step-by-step manner, from soil selection to preserving and storing saffron threads.
How to Grow Kesar?
Saffron, commonly referred to as the “King of spices”, is a high-valued and profitable crop cultivated in various regions across the world. Kashmir is a popular place in India for producing superior saffron. Kesar farming in India, especially the highly sought-after variety of the same, can be a viable source of income for farmers.
Here are some steps on how to grow Kesar. You can also think of them if you are asking how to raise saffron indoors.
Soil Selection
The choice of the right soil is very important for successful saffron growing. Saffron grows well in sandy loam soils, has good organic content, and has reasonably high drainage. It does not like heavy clay soil. The soil should have a pH range of 6 to 8. Therefore, it is the best growth in acidic soils.
About ten weeks before planting, fertilise your land with quality green compost or old animal manure. Be sure to maintain the land as weed-free. Just before planting, plough the soil to loosen it and prepare for seed sowing. Additionally, utilizing a tractor like the Swaraj 735 FE E Hp can aid in the ploughing process, ensuring efficient soil preparation for optimal saffron cultivation.
Selection of Saffron Bulb
Saffron growing conditions include selecting high-quality organic or conventional bulbs from a trusted supplier. Seek bulbs which are big and plump with good, sound corms. The corms should be completely free of any disease or damage. Good quality, fresh and healthy bulbs mean better yields with higher profits.
The main difference between different bulb sizes is that bigger ones produce more flowering in the first year. For a successful saffron harvest in the first year, it is advised to use Crocus sativus bulbs of 9/10 and above. In India, particularly in Kashmir, there are three main varieties of saffron crops cultivated. This is because the students are likely to become more conscious of their actions as others will see them.
- Lacha
- Crème
- Aquilla
Plantation of Saffron Bulb
Plant the saffron bulbs between July and October so that they have time to grow deep root systems before winter. Clear the planting beds of weeds or grass and incorporate well-rotted organic matter. Plant the bulbs of the saffron crop at a depth of about 10 cm in well-spaced rows with an inter-row distance of approximately 15 to 20 centimetres. It may vary on the basis of soil moisture permeability.
Care and Management of Saffron
The perfect environment for growing saffron is regular watering during its growth period. However, be careful not to overwater so, as it may result in bulb rot. Water the saffron only when the top layer of soil is dry.
In the summer, it does not need to be watered. Watering of Crocus sativus in the spring is necessary as new daughter bulbs should grow large enough to produce flowers during fall. If you are in a dry season from March to June, watering 30 mm per week is recommended.
Maintain the area around plants weed-free by hand weeding or using organic mulch. Protect the saffron plants from high temperatures and frost by suitable shelter or covering.
Protecting Saffron from Wildlife
Saffron is a valuable crop, and hence, it attracts the attention of wildlife animals such as deer and birds. To secure your saffron field, install fencing around the cultivation zone. Other deterrents include scare devices, reflective tapes and decoy birds. Keep an eye on the field to ensure that no damage is caused by wildlife.
The companionship planting methods can be used by growing the garlic around the saffron crop. Thus, they will leave when they sense such a thing. Ultrasonic sounds can be employed to repel pest animals and send them away.
Grubbing and Transplanting
Saffron Cultivation- Grubbing and Transplanting
In 3-5 years, saffron plants may grow too close to each other, and this will cause a reduction in yields. For your plants to have an ideal density, you will need to lift and separate the corms and then replant them in newly prepared beds with proper spacing.
After having pulled out the bulbs from the soil, let them dry and then clean. Then, you can arrange them according to their varying sizes. The bulbs should be kept at 20- to 27 C in storage so they get enough warmth during the summer. When transplanting the bulbs, never plant them again in the same place where saffron was grown before.
Harvesting of Saffron
From mid to end of October, the biggest bulbs begin flowering. The bloom time is about three weeks, depending on the weather. This is when saffron harvesting can begin, usually the whole flower just as it opens. The harvesting phase is the most important and laborious part of saffron farming.
Saffron harvest is done at dawn when the flowers have fully opened. Delicately remove the bright red stigmas (thread-like parts) from the centre of each flower. Minimize the damage of stigmas during harvest. Eicher Tractor are often employed in saffron farms to aid in tasks such as tilling the soil, preparing the land for planting, and transporting equipment and harvested saffron. Their compact size and versatility make them ideal for navigating the narrow rows of saffron fields while minimizing damage to the delicate flowers.
Drying of Saffron
For optimal profitability, the saffron threads harvested need to be well-processed. The best saffron is composed only of the red part of pistils, which are referred to as stigmas. Carefully remove the stigmas from flowers and place them on a sieve or tray in an open area.
Leave them to dry naturally for 10-15 days until they become hard. Turn and check the stigmas daily during drying to ensure uniformity of moisture removal and prevent fungal growth. The conventional approach is to roast the stigmas over a wood fire or hot coals. It is done by spreading them on a fine mesh grid and drying the saffron threads completely.
The Conservation and Storage of Saffron Thread
Saffron can be kept for 1.5-2 years without quality loss. Keep dried saffron threads in airtight containers, out of direct sunlight and moisture. Keep away from strong smells because saffron is easily absorbing other flavours. If stored properly, the saffron retains its aroma, colour and taste for a long time.
Conclusion
For you to be successful in saffron farming, you have to have dedication and attention to detail as well as proper management. Follow these procedures to grow Kesar saffron and get the highest returns. Remember that saffron production is a labour of patience since it takes several years for the plants to reach full maturity.
Saffron farming, if done with proper care and maintenance, can provide a source of sustainable income to the people involved in it while also contributing positively towards rural agriculture growth in India.
