Two days training cum Saffron corms distribution programme was concluded at Yuksom, West Sikkim on 12th and 13th October 2022, in a joint collaboration with North East Centre for Technology Application & Reach (NECTAR), Department of Science & Technology, Government of India and Biotechnology Division of Sikkim State Council of Science & Technology, Department of Science & Technology, Government of Sikkim Gangtok, under the project titled "Saffron Cultivation project in Northeast India".
The training cum distribution of Saffron in Sikkim was the outcome of the meeting of Dr. B. C. Basistha Director DST, Govt. of Sikkim with Dr. Arun Kumar Sharma, Director General, NECTAR and Dr. Collin Z-Renthlei, Advisor, (Technical) NECTAR, in New Delhi. It was decided that NECTAR would support financially and supply Saffron corms for planting in Sikkim, where the basic research on soil and land arrangement was done by the DST, Sikkim.
It was found that Sikkimese climate and soil conditions are somewhat similar to the original habitat of Saffron growing areas of Kashmir, in India, which encouraged the officials and scientists to grow Saffron in Sikkim. Initially, it has been taken up in Yuksom, West Sikkim and if it gets successful, the same may be cultivated in other parts of Sikkim after climatic and soil studies. At present, it is in the initial stage, which needs to be monitored and studied closely.
Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world with huge demand in the national and international markets. The main aim of this programme is to fulfil the national shortage of Saffron in the world market and also to support the livelihood of Sikkimese farmers in Sikkim by introducing this new crop.
Mr. Bharat Phukan, Project Supervisor and Mr. Danjit Barman, Junior Analyst from NECTAR and Dr. Sushen Pradhan, SRA and Project Officer, from Sikkim State Council of Science and Technology imparted the training to the farmers of Yuksom, West Sikkim.
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