Ladakh has begun saffron cultivation on a large scale for the first time, with the Union Territory administration planting around 90,000 premium Iranian saffron corms in Leh.

Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena announced on October 2 that 800 kg of corms had been planted over 4,000 square metres at Spituk Pharka. The site was barren until recently and has been restored under Project Him Sarovar, which focuses on water security and land restoration in the high-altitude region.

Officials said the corms meet strict size and weight standards to improve the chances of flowering in Ladakh's cold desert climate. Water for the pilot comes from the recently revived Igoo-Phey canal and four storage ponds.

The experiment builds on Ladakh's recent success with high-value floriculture, including Lilium and Gladiolus fields in Leh. If the trial succeeds, officials say it could diversify the farm economy, add to India's saffron supply beyond Kashmir, and create new income for farmers, youth and self-help groups.