Ladakh launches saffron cultivation pilot on restored barren land

Ladakh has initiated a pilot project to cultivate saffron on restored barren land in Leh. The project involves planting approximately 90,000 Iranian saffron corms across 4,000 square metres at Spituk Pharka.

If successful, the initiative could diversify agriculture in the cold-desert region and create a new income stream for local farmers, youth, and self-help groups. The project aims to make productive use of previously barren land while supporting livelihoods in Ladakh.