Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr.) BD Mishra (Retd), chaired a meeting at the Lieutenant Governor’s Secretariat on March 3 to explore the feasibility of saffron cultivation in Ladakh.

The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary Sanjiv Khirwar, IAS; DGP Ladakh, Dr. SD Singh Jamwal, IPS; Commissioner/Secretary to the LG, Dr. L. Franklin, IAS; Secretary, Agriculture, Bhupesh Chaudhary, IAS; Secretary, GAD/PWD/PHE, Michael D’Souza, IAS; and Director, DIHAR, Dr. OP Chaurasia.

At the outset, the LG inquired about the potential for saffron cultivation in Ladakh, citing a pilot plantation at Raj Niwas.

Dr. OP Chaurasia highlighted Kargil as an ideal location for saffron cultivation, noting that several farmers in the district have already experimented with it.

He also mentioned that the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR–IIIM) Jammu has expertise in saffron cultivation and has undertaken related research. Additionally, he briefed the LG on various DIHAR initiatives aimed at supporting local farmers, particularly those in Ladakh’s forward areas.

Secretary, Agriculture, Bhupesh Chaudhary, IAS, informed the LG about a proposed collaboration with CSIR-IIIM Jammu to expand saffron cultivation in Ladakh, assess its economic viability, and determine the most suitable saffron variety for the region.

The LG directed the Agriculture Secretary and DIHAR Director to thoroughly explore the feasibility of large-scale saffron farming in Ladakh, emphasizing its potential benefits for local farmers, particularly women engaged in agricultural activities. He also urged DIHAR to continue its revised focus on agriculture, horticulture, and cattle management, making optimal use of scientific expertise and available resources to assist farmers.

In addition to saffron, the meeting also discussed the possibility of cultivating hing (asafoetida) in Ladakh.