Amid growing demand for saffron in the open market, the Spices Board is exploring the feasibility of indoor saffron cultivation in Kerala.

According to officials, the Spices Board submitted a proposal to the Kerala Agriculture department to promote indoor saffron farming. During a recent visit, Spices Board chairperson Sangeetha Viswanathan discussed the prospect of indoor saffron farming with Agriculture Minister T. Sidhique.

Huge market

Ms. Viswanathan highlighted the indoor saffron cultivation as a lucrative agricultural opportunity for Kerala. “The State has immense potential to promote indoor saffron cultivation, and the board possesses extensive facilities to market it. Saffron continues to enjoy huge market demand,” she said, adding that the Minister expressed full support for the Spices Board’s proposal.

She noted that adopting saffron cultivation model practices would boost income for the State’s farming community.

Against pesticide use

The Spices Board also requested the Agriculture department to take immediate steps to curb excessive pesticide use on cardamom plantations and ensure that produce remains pesticide-free to meet international export standards.

Ms. Viswanathan noted that large quantities of pesticides are being brought in from Tamil Nadu for use on Idukki’s cardamom plantations. “Cardamom sees higher demand in the export sector than in the domestic market. To secure more export orders, we should ensure that our cardamom is pesticide-free or organic. The Agriculture department needs to strictly monitor and verify the use of banned pesticides on these plantations,” she said.

CR certificates

In addition, she urged the State government to expedite the issuance of Cardamom Registration (CR) certificates to all eligible farmers. “The State government is responsible for providing these certificates. The CR is mandatory for farmers to receive financial aid and benefits under various Union government assistance programmes implemented through the Spices Board,” she added.

On the impact of climate change on spice farming, Ms. Viswanathan urged State support for sustainable infrastructure. “We request the State government to extend support for mist irrigation systems, community irrigation projects, rainwater harvesting, bio-control agent promotion, strengthening good agricultural practices, revising crop insurance schemes, installing automatic weather stations, and implementing climate-resilient farming initiatives,” she said.

Published - August 05, 2026 09:17 pm IST