In a significant step toward diversifying high-value crops, the CSIR–Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), in collaboration with the Agriculture Department of Ladakh, organized a program on September 22 for the free distribution of saffron corms to progressive farmers of Kargil district.

The event, held at the Seed Multiplication Farm in Kurbathang, featured a detailed demonstration by technical expert Zubair Ahmed on scientific methods of saffron cultivation, post-harvest handling, and the benefits of adopting the crop in local conditions.

The program was attended by the Chief Agriculture Officer (CAO) Kargil, District Agriculture Officer (DAO), Assistant Agrostologist, Agriculture Assistant (Inputs), and other departmental staff.

Officials highlighted that saffron cultivation could create new income opportunities for farmers and boost the agri-economy of the Union Territory of Ladakh. Farmers welcomed this initiative.