Chamba Farmers in Himachal Pradesh Gradually Embrace Towards Cultivating Aromatic Crops

Recently farmers from the Chamba district have adhered to cultivating aromatic plants. Though there are uncertainties and insecurities yet farmers across Himachal Pradesh have shifted to growing saffron in their fields. Kuldeep Dhiman, Deputy Director, agriculture department told that " they have put efforts and encouraged farmers to shift towards aromatic plant cultivation." A group of 54 farmers from Chamba district has allocated a section of their fields for cultivating this vital spice, he further told.

To boost the economy Kuldeep told that in the initial two years, the agriculture department provided 9.2 and 8.4 quintals of saffron corn to the farmers, and in the present year, they have facilitated the supply of 10 quintals of saffron corn. This gives a positive indicator of farmers' interest in aromatic plant cultivation.
"Overall 27.6 quintals of saffron corn was distributed that was being planted in 7366 square meters of fields. The dispensation of saffron corn will be an indication towards growth and opportunity for them and farmers and also its the ability to achieve ample benefits from the saffron cultivation," he added.

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According to reports Rs 45,000 was achieved from selling saffron from one bigha. Hem Raj Attri, a local farmer from Masroond village, expressed dissatisfaction initially as many farmers failed to achieve substantial profits. He emphasized that by unlocking the secrets and acquiring in-depth knowledge of proper saffron cultivation techniques, farmers can effortlessly increase their profits and attain significant growth. He also told that if there is increased multiplication of saffron corn then they can be easily sold at Rs 400 to 450 per kg.

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According to Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Senior Principal Scientist at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research- Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology(CSIR- IBHT), Palampur, who is monitoring the saffron cultivation project said that " the project is in their initial stages. The results have not been achieved yet. But they are assured of success in diverse climatic conditions. Currently, they have distributed saffron corn to the agriculture department which is later dispersed to the farmers. They have also provided training to help farmers to get in-depth knowledge and make them aware of saffron cultivation techniques."

-TOI

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