Spices Board mulls indoor saffron cultivation in Kerala
The Spices Board Chairperson Sangeetha Viswanathan and Kerala Agriculture Minister T. Siddique discussed promoting indoor saffron cultivation and enhancing support for local spice farmers.
The Spices Board of India is exploring the potential of indoor saffron cultivation in Kerala as a high-value agricultural opportunity. Spices Board Chairperson Sangeetha Viswanathan met with Kerala’s Agriculture Minister T. Siddique to discuss the prospects of promoting indoor cultivation, aiming to provide progressive farmers with new income avenues through scientific methods and technological support.
During the meeting, the Chairperson proposed closer collaboration between the state’s Agriculture Department and the Spices Board to implement joint programs. These initiatives would focus on sustainable spice cultivation, comprehensive farmer training, value addition, and technology transfer, all designed to improve the livelihoods of Kerala's farming community.
The Chairperson also held detailed discussions regarding the challenges faced by spice growers, particularly cardamom farmers in Idukki. She submitted a representation seeking state government support for strengthening climate-resilient spice cultivation. She urged the Minister to expedite the mandatory Cardamom Registration process, which is essential for farmers to access central government development and export promotion schemes.
Ms. Viswanathan highlighted the growing difficulties facing spice farmers, including the impacts of climate change, prolonged dry spells, declining soil health, the indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides, and inadequate irrigation. Additionally, she pointed out the rising issue of human-wildlife conflict. To address these problems, the Board requested state support for installing mist irrigation systems, rainwater harvesting infrastructure, and the promotion of bio-control agents.
Furthermore, the Board emphasized the need for stronger preventive measures against crop loss caused by wild animals, such as the installation of solar fencing and the establishment of a timely compensation system. The Chairperson also advocated for the revision of crop insurance schemes and the installation of automatic weather stations to better manage climate risks. Minister T. Siddique assured the Board that these proposals would be examined positively in the best interest of the state's farmers.