Saffron in the lowlands

The project to cultivate Saffron Crocus sativus} in the lowlands of West Bengal presents a significant departure from its traditional, high-altitude habitat, predominantly in Kashmir, and aims to tap into the lucrative "red gold" market. Saffron traditionally requires a Mediterranean-like climate characterized by hot, dry summers (for corm dormancy and floral induction) and cold winters with an average altitude of around 2,000 meters above sea level. These specific agro-climatic requirements pose a substantial challenge to lowland cultivation in West Bengal, which is typified by a humid, sub-tropical climate, high temperatures, and heavy monsoonal rainfall. The lowlands' heavy, clayey, and poor-draining soils are generally unsuitable for saffron corms, which are highly susceptible to corm rot diseases like Fusarium and Rhizoctonia under waterlogged conditions and high humidity. However, recent advancements in agricultural technology offer a viable path to overcome these environmental constraints, turning the project into a potential economic breakthrough for the region. The successful trials open the door for commercial, multi-tier farming in the West Bengal lowlands, which can potentially offer multiple harvests per year and a high yield in a small footprint. This method reduces labor intensity, minimizes crop vulnerability to erratic climate change effects (like irregular rainfall), and provides an opportunity for economic diversification for farmers. While the initial setup cost is high due to the required infrastructure (racks, climate control, LED lighting), the high market value of saffron (up to $₹3 lakh per kilogram) and potential government subsidies could make the project financially viable and a transformative alternative to traditional low-value crops. currently we are trying our project in a polyhouse but after achieving success we will shift our project under industrial circumstances