Two brothers from Pampore successfully cultivate saffron inside a room, showcase innovative, financially rewarding approach

Pampore: Seeing the popularity and profitability of Indoor Saffron, two young brothers in the Lethpora area of Pampore have successfully cultivated saffron inside a room, showcasing an innovative and financially rewarding approach. This method provides a feasible option for individuals without access to traditional farmland. They encourage fellow youth to adopt indoor saffron cultivation, contributing to the saffron industry’s growth while ensuring a stable income. Importantly, indoor saffron cultivation is not confined to Jammu and Kashmir; it can be implemented in other states across the country.
Speaking to Kashmir Reader, Arshid Gull said, “We initiated indoor saffron cultivation due to the changing global climate conditions. The motivation behind this was the decreasing production of saffron over the past few years. We took it upon ourselves to find a solution, and the government has also been supportive. We have put significant effort into this to enhance production day by day, aiming for maximum economic growth and maintaining the highest quality of saffron. The quality we have achieved is exceptionally good.”
He added, “I engaged in indoor saffron cultivation last year, and this year, I’ve taken it to a higher level. In the coming year, I aspire to elevate it further because the production has been promising for me. My wish is that every youth should undertake indoor saffron cultivation. Even those without land can venture into it with minimal effort, and the fruits of their labour will undoubtedly follow. For the youth, this is a great means of earning a livelihood, provided they put in the necessary hard work.”
Gull said various states outside Kashmir have also observed indoor saffron cultivation on social media sites. They initiated indoor saffron cultivation after realizing that favourable climate conditions could support its growth. “I have read reports about their satisfaction with indoor cultivation. When I first saw it, I came across it on the internet that someone had started indoor saffron cultivation in Kashmir. Subsequently, about two years ago, I personally visited the Research Station for Saffron and Seed Dusoo in Pampore, where I observed the setup. The following year, I began my own indoor cultivation,” he said.
Speaking to Kashmir Reader, Muzaffar Gull said, “We first saw indoor Saffron cultivation in Research Station SKUAST-Kashmir Dusoo, where it was initially started. Upon witnessing saffron growing in indoor rooms, I became satisfied and decided to undertake indoor cultivation there as well. We started last year with a small quantity, and it yielded good results. This year, we increased the quantity, and the results have been even better.”
Earlier, a three-day national training, awareness programme on Indoor Saffron technology was conducted by SKUAST-Kashmir at the Advanced Research Station, SKUAST-Kashmir, Dusoo Pampore. Delegates from various states across the country attended the program. Arshid Mughul, Associate Director Research at SKUAST-Kashmir, and Prof. Bashir Ahmad Alaie, Head of Advanced Research Station SKUAST-Kashmir Dusoo Pampore, shared their invaluable insights and expertise during the comprehensive training sessions.
Participants from various states of the country including Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, and Kolkata expressed their eagerness to adopt indoor saffron cultivation in their respective regions. The enthusiasm displayed by these participants underscores the growing interest in this transformative agricultural technique.
Dr Bashir Ahmad Alaie, Senior Scientist, head of the Research Station at SKUAST-Kashmir Dusoo Pampore, informed Kashmir Reader that they organised a training and awareness programme for people of various states of the country. “The primary aim was to raise awareness among participants from various states regarding the feasibility of indoor saffron cultivation. While successful flower harvesting in indoor saffron cultivation is achievable in any state, the major challenge lies in producing saffron corms indoors, especially in regions outside Kashmir like Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, Kerala, and Calcutta. This poses a significant challenge for individuals in those areas,” he said.
Dr Bashir further explained that just as every ritual has its requirements, saffron also has its own set of necessities, including temperature and weather conditions. These specific requirements for saffron corms are naturally met in Kashmir, unlike in states where corms are being cultivated for production, where these conditions are not readily available, he said.
Dr Alaie said that they have provided awareness and training to individuals, making them aware of the reality. “They have communicated that individuals can harvest flowers in the process. It’s not complete technology; it’s the challenging work that SKUAST-Kashmir is actively engaged in,” he said.
SKUAST-Kashmir is currently researching the ability to harvest flowers and produce corms. Once the technology is developed, individuals can adopt and receive proper guidance on the necessary steps for creating an indoor chamber. This includes specifying the required temperature and addressing other essential factors. Afterwards, it can be confidently stated that this technology is beneficial for Indoor Saffron farmers.
Dr Bashir further told Kashmir Reader that this technology is currently halfway for states outside Kashmir where indoor saffron cultivation is taking place. Despite conducting awareness programs with those engaged in indoor cultivation, it is not yet profitable for them, he said
The current Saffron indoor cultivation is designed specifically for Kashmir, whether it’s indoor or outdoor, he said, adding, “Only the people of Kashmir can use and adapt this successfully, finding it beneficial. However, for those outside Kashmir attempting to adopt this technology, it remains not yet profitable for them.”

BILAL HABIB