Leh saffron experiment yields flowers in 30 days on Ladakh's difficult terrain
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Cropping patterns & irrigation· Prelims·
High-value horticulture and economic diversification in arid zones: a GS3 Agriculture and Geography case study.
Why in news
Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena initiated a saffron cultivation experiment in Leh, Ladakh, demonstrating the feasibility of high-value crop cultivation in difficult terrains.
Background
The project involved planting 90,000 Iranian saffron corms weighing 800 kg on 4,000 square metres of restored land in Leh. Flowers appeared in less than 30 days, with approximately 22 grams collected in four days.
Facts for Prelims
- FactSaffron experiment in Leh involved 90,000 Iranian saffron corms weighing 800 kg
- PlaceLeh, Ladakh: Site of the saffron cultivation experiment on restored land
- FactFlowers appeared in less than 30 days from the October 1 planting date
Prelims practice question
Which specific type of corms were used in the saffron cultivation experiment in Leh?
- (a)Spanish saffron corms
- (b)Dutch saffron corms
- (c)Iranian saffron corms
- (d)Kashmiri saffron corms
Show answer
Answer: (c) Iranian saffron corms — The project involved planting 90,000 Iranian saffron corms weighing 800 kg.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the potential of high-value horticulture to enhance the economic landscape of high-altitude regions like Ladakh while addressing ecological constraints.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Economic diversification: Transitioning from subsistence farming to high-value export crops in arid zones
- Ecological balance: Managing water-intensive horticulture in fragile high-altitude ecosystems
- Supply chain integration: Establishing cold-chain logistics for perishable high-value crops in remote terrains
Keywords: High-value crops · Economic diversification · Arid zone agriculture · Sustainable horticulture · Livelihood enhancement
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