North Bengal University (NBU) has achieved a historic milestone by successfully cultivating saffron for the first time in Northern India. The breakthrough was carried out at the Centre for Floriculture and Agri-Business Management (COFAM) under the University of North Bengal, marking a significant step toward expanding high-value crop production beyond traditional regions like Kashmir.
The horticulture initiative was led by Amrendra Pandey, whose expertise played a key role in the project’s success. Approximately 80 to 100 saffron bulbs were brought from Kashmir to NBU on September 27, 2025. Researchers reported that most bulbs bloomed during the Diwali celebrations, bringing pride and joy to the project team. The initiative began experimentally in 2023 using three methods, including laboratory-based aeroponic farming and open-field trials in Darjeeling, Kurseong, and Kalimpong.
Aeroponic farming, the technique behind this success, allows plants to grow without soil by suspending bulbs in air and misting roots with nutrient-rich solutions. This controlled method reduces water consumption, prevents soil-borne diseases, and enables year-round cultivation.
Authorities are now exploring the possibility of creating a regional saffron brand called “Darjeeling Saffron,” opening new income opportunities for North Bengal farmers and highlighting the potential of advanced agricultural innovation in diverse climatic conditions.
