Shimla: The Himachal government has launched a ''Agriculture for prosperity' scheme to promote asafoetida and saffron cultivation. The Department of Agriculture has prepared a detailed plan for the cultivation of asafoetida and saffron under which an agreement was signed with Himalayan Biological Wealth Technology (IHBT) Palampur on 6 June 2020.
The aroma of asafoetida and saffron to blossom in Himachal
Agriculture Minster Virendra Kanwar said that high altitude areas in the state such as Mandi, Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur districts have been found favourable for the cultivation of asafetida and saffron. The first plant of asafetida has been planted in Koring village of Lahaul-Spiti.
Under this scheme, the government has made a provision of Rs 10 crore for the cultivation of asafetida and saffron. For the cultivation of asafoetida, the agriculture department has targeted to cultivate 302 hectares in 5 years and 3.5 hectares in 3 years for the cultivation of saffron.
There is also a provision for training farmers and officers to give comprehensive information about farming methods required for the cultivation of these two crops. The Agriculture Department has instructed to strengthen the irrigation system in these areas.
Asafoetida is one of the major spices consumed in India. Around 50 per cent of asafoetida consumed worldwide is consumed in India but asafoetida is not cultivated in India. Now the first plant of asafoetida has been planted in Lahaul Spiti district of Himachal.
Asafoetida cultivation is most practised in a few countries like Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq and Turkmenistan. India also imports 1200 to 1500 tonnes of asafetida every year from these countries.
The plant has been prepared scientifically in the Lab of Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology at Palampur. Raw asafoetida seeds were brought from Afghanistan.
Saffron also to be cultivated in Himachal
India is a country of spices. Various types of spices are found here which enhance the flavour of cuisine. India's spices are admired across the countries of the world. Most of the spices are known for their taste but there is one spice that is known for its price. The world's most expensive spice, saffron.
Saffron is grown only in Jammu and Kashmir in India. In saffron production, India is second only to Iran in the world. After Jammu and Kashmir, saffron will be cultivated in Himachal also.
The Himachal government has targeted to cultivate saffron on 3.5 hectares of land in the next 3 years.
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