📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Chris Hunkeler from Carlsbad, California, USA
Der
Agriculture
Ladakh Farmers Harvest 22 Grams of Saffron in Four Days, Hope for New Income
✍️ NDTV
🗓 02 Nov 2026, 07:19 AM
👁 13
In a pioneering experiment, Ladakh farmers collected nearly 22 grams of saffron in just four days, indicating the crop’s potential as a lucrative income source for the high‑altitude region.
A small plot of barren land in Ladakh was transformed into a saffron field in just 30 days, with farmers harvesting nearly 22 grams of the spice in a mere four days. The experiment, conducted by local agricultural researchers, demonstrates that saffron can thrive in the region’s harsh climate and offers a high‑value alternative to traditional crops.
The yield, while modest, is significant for Ladakh’s agrarian economy. Saffron fetches premium prices in domestic and international markets, and its cultivation could provide a steady income stream for farmers who currently rely on limited crop options and seasonal tourism.
Officials plan to expand the trial to additional plots and provide training on saffron cultivation techniques, pest management, and post‑harvest processing. If successful, the initiative could position Ladakh as a niche saffron producer and diversify the livelihoods of its rural communities.
The yield, while modest, is significant for Ladakh’s agrarian economy. Saffron fetches premium prices in domestic and international markets, and its cultivation could provide a steady income stream for farmers who currently rely on limited crop options and seasonal tourism.
Officials plan to expand the trial to additional plots and provide training on saffron cultivation techniques, pest management, and post‑harvest processing. If successful, the initiative could position Ladakh as a niche saffron producer and diversify the livelihoods of its rural communities.