Telangana achieves breakthrough as saffron blooms in Wanaparthy lab
HYDERABAD: Saffron flowers have bloomed for the first time in Telangana, raising hopes that farmers in the state may soon be able to cultivate the high-value spice. The initial yield emerged at a test farm in Wanaparthy district, where plants were grown through an aeroponic system in which roots remain suspended in air and are periodically fed a nutrient solution.
A research team at Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University, which conducted the trial, said the results were promising. The flowers were produced during a two-month project carried out in a 200-sq-ft controlled facility.
Controlled climate helped replicate Kashmir conditions
The team said the objective was to standardise saffron cultivation using aeroponics. Researchers recreated the cool, humid climatic conditions of Kashmir India’s traditional saffron-growing region inside a laboratory. They said the yield and quality in the pilot project were satisfactory.
The university created precise temperature, humidity and light cycles to facilitate flowering. Officials said farmers and interested individuals may visit the campus for more information or training. Saffron cultivation in India is largely confined to Pampore in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, while Iran remains the world’s largest producer. Declining acreage and environmental pressures have prompted nationwide research into alternative methods.
Experts say both hydroponic and aeroponic systems are available, but aeroponics is increasingly preferred because of higher yield consistency and quality.
‘System is app-controlled and labour-efficient’
Professor Pidigam Saidaiah, principal investigator of the project, said: “In Kashmir, machines are used to create different day and night temperatures, humidity, sunlight and carbon dioxide levels. We have replicated the same here. Saffron bulbs from Kashmir are placed in the lab and exposed to controlled temperatures and artificial lights required for germination, growth and flowering.”
He said the process requires minimal labour. “Because the entire system is app-controlled, labour needs are minimal. The crop is completely organic, and the yield quality including the chemical components that give saffron its value is significantly higher in this method. Many enthusiasts are showing interest in aeroponic cultivation,” he added.
University plans to transfer technology to farmers
Vice Chancellor Dr Danda Rajireddy said the university is working to introduce modern technologies to farmers. “As part of this effort, we took up saffron cultivation, normally a Kashmir-only crop, on a pilot basis in the university college,” he said.
“We will soon introduce this technology to farmers. We will share complete details and, if needed, set up saffron model labs in colleges and horticulture research institutes under the university and train local farmers,” he added.
