{"id":1652,"date":"2025-10-20T19:04:06","date_gmt":"2025-10-20T19:04:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kashmirthunder.in\/?p=1652"},"modified":"2025-10-20T19:04:06","modified_gmt":"2025-10-20T19:04:06","slug":"kulgam-scientist-breaks-belief-that-saffron-grows-only-in-pampore","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kashmirthunder.in\/index.php\/2025\/10\/20\/kulgam-scientist-breaks-belief-that-saffron-grows-only-in-pampore\/","title":{"rendered":"Kulgam scientist breaks belief that Saffron grows only in Pampore"},"content":{"rendered":"

Zahoor Ahmad Reshi urges agriculturists to \u2018move beyond textbooks, engage in hands-on experimentation\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kulgam, Oct 20: Breaking a decades-old notion that saffron can only thrive in Pampore, agricultural scientist Zahoor Ahmad Reshi from Kulgam has successfully cultivated high-quality saffron in his home district. This marks a breakthrough in Kashmir\u2019s traditional saffron cultivation practices.<\/p>\n

Speaking to the news agency\u2014Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Reshi said he first experimented with saffron cultivation during a biophonics trial two years ago \u2014 an experiment that led him to several findings not documented in standard agricultural literature.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile collecting data during the trial, I discovered certain aspects of saffron growth that were not mentioned anywhere. I applied those findings to the soil here, and the results were remarkable,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

According to Reshi, saffron is not limited to Pampore\u2019s soil conditions and can be cultivated anywhere in Kashmir, provided that certain environmental factors \u2014 especially water management \u2014 are properly maintained.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople often say saffron should not be given any water, but that\u2019s not entirely true,\u201d he explained. \u201cDuring a particular stage of its life cycle \u2014 which I call the \u2018transformative phase\u2019 \u2014 saffron actually needs the same amount of water as vegetables. If it gets less, it won\u2019t grow properly, and the corms won\u2019t multiply.\u201d<\/p>\n

Reshi, who is also working on a book detailing his findings, said that temperature and humidity play a vital role in the crop\u2019s success. He observed that in Kulgam, the optimum temperature arrives earlier than in Srinagar, leading to earlier flowering and taller plants.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn Pampore, the fields lie beside the highway, and growth is often limited. But here, the plants grew up to 22 inches tall \u2014 that is the difference proper moisture makes,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\n

Clarifying a common misconception, he said that saffron should remain dry only during its dormant phase, as excessive moisture then can cause rotting. However, during its growth phase, balanced humidity is essential for healthy flowers and corm multiplication.<\/p>\n

Reshi believes that with a controlled environment, it is even possible to harvest two to three saffron crops a year, provided conditions like temperature and humidity are properly managed.<\/p>\n

Recounting how the experiment began, he said the idea struck when a senior colleague, Sheikh Farhan, was about to discard leftover saffron corms from an experiment. \u201cI stopped him and said, \u2018Don\u2019t throw them away \u2014 let me use them.\u2019 That is how it all started,\u201d Reshi said.<\/p>\n

Encouraging local farmers, Reshi said saffron can be cultivated much like vegetables \u2014 either commercially or out of personal interest \u2014 as every part of the plant has economic value. \u201cSaffron farming can be highly successful if approached properly. Anyone with passion can do it,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

Acknowledging the support of his family and colleagues, Reshi said his work has been driven purely by passion and curiosity. \u201cMy family and seniors have supported me throughout. They\u2019re proud of my work and never discourage experimentation,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Concluding with a message for young agriculturists and researchers, Reshi urged them to move beyond textbooks and engage in hands-on experimentation. \u201cNot everything in literature is true,\u201d he said. \u201cBe practical \u2014 research with your own hands. Only then will you truly understand how agriculture works.\u201d (KNO)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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