Saffron (Kesar) Farming – Grow Gold in Your Field

 Start saffron farming in India with this complete guide: learn climate, soil, cultivation steps, cost-profit analysis, non-Kashmir farming tips, and export scope.

🔹 Introduction

Saffron, also known as Kesar, is one of the most expensive spices in the world. With a price that can exceed ₹500 per gram, saffron is rightly called "red gold." Traditionally grown in the valleys of Kashmir, modern innovations and scientific approaches are now making saffron farming possible in parts of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and even Maharashtra under controlled conditions.

This guide is your step-by-step manual to growing saffron in India. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or a first-time grower, we’ll cover everything you need:

1. Ideal climate and soil conditions

2. Complete saffron cultivation process

3. Costing, profits, and yield

4. Growing saffron outside Kashmir

5. International market and export options

Let’s unlock the secrets of growing this luxurious crop in your own field.

                                                                            

1. Climate & Soil Requirement for Saffron

1.1 Ideal Climate Conditions

• Temperature: 15–20°C during germination; 20–25°C during flowering

• Rainfall: Annual rainfall 1000–1500 mm

• Sunlight: Needs good sunlight post flowering; no waterlogging

• Altitude: 1500–2000 meters above sea level (ideal for open field)

For regions outside Kashmir, polyhouse or greenhouse farming helps mimic these conditions.

1.2 Suitable Soil Type

• Texture: Loamy, well-drained, rich in humus

• pH level: 6 to 8

• Drainage: Absolutely critical—saffron bulbs rot easily in standing water

• Preparation: Deep ploughing (2–3 times), addition of organic compost, and formation of raised beds.

                                                                           

2. Step-by-Step Farming Process

2.1 Saffron Corm Selection

• Use certified corms (bulbs) from Kashmir or reliable research institutions

• Avoid infected or damaged corms

• Size matters: Bigger corms (≥1.5 cm diameter) = Higher yield

2.2 Field Preparation

• Clear weeds and till soil to 30 cm depth

• Add well-rotted cow dung and compost (20–30 tons per acre)

• Make raised beds (1m wide, 30 cm high) with proper drainage

2.3 Corm Plantation

• Planting time: July to September (before monsoon ends)

• Spacing: 10 cm apart in rows 20 cm apart

• Depth: 10–12 cm below surface

• Density: ~1.5–2 lakh corms per acre

2.4 Irrigation

• Very minimal; water only if drought-like conditions

• Avoid watering during flowering stage

• Overwatering = bulb rot = total crop loss

2.5 Flowering and Harvesting

• Flowering period: Late October to mid-November

• Flowers bloom early morning; must be picked same day

• Manual plucking of flowers daily

2.6 Stigma Separation and Drying

• Each flower has 3 red stigmas (actual saffron threads)

• Separate gently by hand and dry in shade for 8–10 hours

• Store in air-tight containers away from moisture.

                                                                      

3. Cost and Profit Analysis

3.1 Investment (Per Acre Basis)

ComponentApprox. Cost (INR)

Corm purchase (1.5L)₹60,000–80,000

Land preparation₹10,000–15,000

Organic inputs₹5,000–8,000

Labor (planting, plucking, drying)₹20,000–30,000

Packaging & storage₹3,000–5,000

Total Investment₹1,00,000–1,30,000

3.2 Yield & Income

• Yield: 2–5 kg dry saffron per acre (depending on corm quality & care)

• Selling Price: ₹500–1,200/gram (quality dependent)

• Revenue Potential: ₹10,00,000–25,00,000 per acre

Even at conservative pricing, farmers can earn 10x return on investment if managed well.

                                                                     

 

4. Can Saffron Be Grown Outside Kashmir?

Yes—with controlled environment and proper planning.

4.1 Suitable States

• Himachal Pradesh: Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu (open field)

• Uttarakhand: Chamoli, Uttarkashi (protected cultivation)

• Maharashtra: Pune, Satara (polyhouse only)

• Rajasthan & MP: Trial projects under drip & shade nets

4.2 Key Requirements

• Temperature control (especially summer heat)

• Disease-free corms

• Good drainage + raised beds

• Shade nets or tunnel houses if high heat/humidity

Farmers in non-traditional zones must start small and use demo plots to understand viability.

                                                                       

 

5. Export Opportunities & Market Demand

5.1 Global Market Trends

• India imports 30+ tons of saffron annually (mainly from Iran)

• High demand from UAE, USA, UK, Saudi Arabia, Germany

• Medicinal & cosmetic industries now use saffron in high-value formulations

5.2 Quality Standards for Export

• ISO 3632 certification (grading standard)

• Lab-tested moisture, crocin (color), safranal (aroma), picrocrocin (taste)

• Air-tight, food-grade packaging

5.3 How to Start Exporting

1. Register with APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority)

2. Obtain FSSAI license

3. Network with exporters, attend agri-expos

4. Use platforms like Indiamart, Alibaba, ExportersIndia

Profit margin on export saffron = 3–4 times more than domestic

                                                                      

 Conclusion

Saffron farming isn’t just agriculture—it’s a high-value venture when done with precision. With the right climate, disease-free corms, proper harvesting practices, and awareness of global standards, even farmers outside Kashmir can earn massive returns from small plots.

The golden spice can transform your land into a luxury crop hub. Start small, grow smart, and build your own "red gold" business in India.

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suggested reading

1.Mushroom Farming in India – A Complete Beginner’s Guide

2.Hydroponics Farming: A Modern Soilless Revolution in Agriculture

3.Get saffron cultivation guidance and certified corms from ICAR-IISR Pampore