Saffron is recognised for its unique fragrance and special qualities and is very beneficial for human health. Moreover, due to the high value of saffron, it is also called Red Gold, and Saffron cultivation is popular worldwide. It has been used since ancient times as a medicinal and beneficial plant in Ayurvedic medicine. Similarly, saffron is also used in making cosmetics and soaps. Moreover, saffron cultivation is mainly done in Europe and parts of Asia. However, countries like Iran and Spain produce up to 80% of the world’s saffron. This saffron is grown at an altitude of 1000 to 2500 metres above sea level. Snowy areas are considered suitable for saffron cultivation. Hence, farmers can earn well by practising saffron cultivation on a large scale.
Saffron is used in many types of food items, and many extremely beneficial elements are present in it, which are very beneficial for human health. For example, doctors advise consuming saffron mixed with milk for pregnant women. As a result, saffron cultivation is a highly profitable business for farmers. In addition, using saffron does not cause heart-related diseases and increases blood purification ability.
Saffron Cultivation Requirements For Ideal Production
Below are the complete details related to saffron cultivation, including the soil suitability, climatic conditions and other details. Also, we will explain the yield and profits of saffron cultivation.
Suitable Soil For Saffron Cultivation
Sandy, loam and loamy soil is used in the cultivation of saffron. At present, it is produced in dry states like Rajasthan with proper care. However, there should not be a waterlogged place for saffron cultivation because, in the case of waterlogging, its seeds get destroyed by rotting. Moreover, its production requires a normal soil pH value.
Suitable Climate For Saffron Cultivation
Saffron cultivation is more popular in snowy areas. However, it can be produced in winter, summer and rain in all three climates. Moreover, winter snow and wet weather stop the growth of its flowers. Due to this, new flowers come out in more quantity later, which is very good for it. When the snow starts melting due to the sun’s heat and the land dries up, its plants start flowering, and saffron is planted in these flowers. Its plants grow well at a temperature of about 20 degrees, and its plants start becoming flowers at 10 to 20 degrees.
Field Preparation In Saffron Cultivation
For saffron cultivation, the field has to be ploughed deeply, and the area has to be prepared well by ploughing the field well and mixing the appropriate amount of fertiliser because once its plants are planted, they give crops many times.
The first ploughing in saffron cultivation should be done by adding cow dung manure. Moreover, it should be ploughed obliquely with the help of a cultivator operated by a powerful Mahindra Tractor. After this, water should be applied and run the rotavator in the field. Due to this, the field will become completely flat, and the soil will become friable. Thus, there will be no problem with water logging in the area.
Method & Season For Saffron Cultivation Seed Planting
The Saffron crop gets ready in about 6 months. To get good quality saffron, it is very important to plant saffron seeds at the right time because saffron is sold only on the basis of good quality.
Saffron seeds should be planted from July to September after the end of the rainy season. However, planting these seeds at the beginning of August is considered best for saffron cultivation. After planting the seeds in the season of August, its plants are ready to give saffron in the early season of winter, due to which there is no risk of spoilage of saffron in winter.
Seeds can be planted in the field in both flat soils or prepared seed beds in saffron cultivation. It is necessary to have a distance of one and a half to two feet between two plants when planted in flat soil. And about one to one and a half feet between each seed bed. The plants sown in saffron cultivation on the ridge should have a distance of one foot.
Irrigation Needs In Saffron Cultivation
After planting saffron seeds in the field in saffron cultivation, they should be watered. If saffron is being cultivated in dry areas, irrigation should be done in 15 days in winter. Then, irrigation should be done by a Sonalika Tractor twice a week in the summer season and only when needed in the rainy season.
Fertilizer Quantity In Saffron Cultivation
While preparing the field for saffron cultivation, 10 to 15 carts of old farm yard manure should be applied per acre at the time of ploughing. Apart from this, those farmers who want to use chemical fertilisers can use NPK in saffron cultivation. Sprinkle the right amount of fertiliser in the field before the last ploughing. Also, the decomposed waste should be given to the plants along with irrigation.
Weed Control In Saffron Cultivation
Initial care is necessary to save saffron plants from weeds. When the seeds start sprouting in saffron cultivation, then after a few days, the plants should be weeded. After this, two to three more hoeing should be done in an interval of 20 days, due to which the plants develop well.
Harvesting Process In Saffron Cultivation
Tlants become suitable for giving saffron after three to four months of transplanting in saffron cultivation. When the petals appear red and saffron on the flowers in saffron cultivation, pluck them and store them. After this, dry these broken petals in a shady place. Store the saffron in a vessel for further processing when it is completely dry.
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