Kalimpong farmer cultivates successfully ‘red gold’ saffron

Yowan Mothay, EOI, Kalimpong, 19 November 2023 : A successful trial of saffron cultivation has taken place in Kalimpong. 

Saffron, which is often referred to as “red gold,” one of the most expensive spices, has bloomed for the first time in Danragaon, Upper Ichchhey, in the Kalimpong district. 

Agronomists and farmers are excited after the saffron planted by local farmer Mahendra Chhetri has blossomed. Saffron, which has been used as a spice and medicine since ancient times, can cost as high as Rs 3 lakh a kg for the pure variety.  

The local farmer Mahendra Chhetri had planted half a kg of saffron as a trial. The possibility of saffron cultivation in Kalimpong has increased since the saffron planted on October 28 began to bloom on November14. 

Mahendra Chhetri said President of Kalimpong Farmers Welfare Association Bishnu Chhetri had provided him with half a kg of saffron. He said the saffron started blooming within 15 days of planting.

The Center for Floriculture and Agricultural Business Farm of North Bengal University is also currently conducting various researches on saffron cultivation. 

The department has expressed happiness that this test was successful in Kalimpong and expressed the possibility of cultivation of saffron in this area on a commercial scale. 

If saffron can be cultivated in the hills of Kalimpong, this department will teach farmers how to cultivate and also manage the market. 

Presently, the cultivation of saffron is common in Kashmir. Sikkim has lately experimented with the cultivation of saffron.