NEW DELHI: Saffron output in India, the world's second largest producer after Iran, is likely to double to 18.5 tonnes after successful implementation of the Rs 376 crore National Saffron Mission launched recently, an official release said today.
Saffron, one of the world's most expensive spices, is used both for cooking, as well as for its medicinal values.
Its price is ruling at Rs 1.74 lakh per kg at present.
"After implementation of mission (2010-2014), the productivity level (of saffron) is expected to increase to 5 kg per hectare, thus enhancing production to about 18.5 tonnes," the official release said.
At present, the country's total saffron production stands at 9.46 tonnes, with the spice cultivated exclusively in Jammu and Kashmir.
The likely jump in saffron output after completion of the four-year saffron mission is expected to contribute Rs 4,642.5 crore to the national exchequer, as against Rs 236.