BusinessPhoto: Deccan HeraldIndoor Saffron Farms Challenge Kashmir’s Production Monopoly
Kashmir has traditionally dominated India’s saffron production due to its favorable soil, altitude, and climate. Entrepreneurs in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, and Punjab are experimenting with indoor farming using chillers, humidifiers, and LED lights to replicate these conditions. While indoor cultivation shows promise, sustaining production economically over years remains uncertain. Kashmir’s saffron output has declined from 15.98 metric tonnes in 1997-98 to 5.02 metric tonnes in 2024-25, raising concerns about the future of its traditional growers.
Deccan Herald·



