Over the past two decades, the production of saffron has fallen from 16 metric tonnes a year to 5.6 metric tonnes a year, largely due to climate change.
Now Saffron farmers are fighting back by changing the playground and growing saffron indoors.
Indoor farming of saffron, known as the most expensive spice in the world, is currently in its experimental stage. However, farmers are optimistic that this method will boost crop production due to its affordability. The practice of indoor saffron farming was initiated by the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir (SKUAST) in 2018 as part of a research project to study its feasibility. Since then, farmers have started adopting this method to grow the Crocus Sativus bulbs and flowers indoors.
See the full press release on The Wire India for more information.
