In a breathtaking metamorphosis, the once desolate and rocky terrain of Indore, named “Kesar Parvat,” has been reborn with the exquisite allure of Kashmiri Saffron.
Dr. Shankar Garg, a distinguished environmentalist, accomplished scientist, and devoted academician, recently unveiled the remarkable journey of Kesar Parvat, now a thriving oasis.
In 2016, the ambitious vision to convert this rugged 22-acre expanse into a flourishing forest was conceived. The transformative journey commenced with the planting of 35,000 trees over the initial seven years. Half a decade later, the fruits of their labour are evident, with many of these trees reaching an impressive height of approximately 17 feet.
The name “Kesar Parvat” pays homage to the world-renowned reputation of saffron, an integral part of this extraordinary transformation.
However, cultivating saffron in Indore, a region with a markedly distinct climate from its traditional habitat in Kashmir, posed a formidable challenge. Initially met with skepticism, Dr. Garg, undeterred, collaborated with a forward-thinking local farmer from Kashmir. The farmer embarked on a journey to Indore to sow saffron corms on Kesar Parvat.
The initial year’s yield was modest, with only 25 corms yielding flowers, largely due to the higher temperatures of Indore. Unfazed, Dr. Garg made a pivotal decision in subsequent years. Employing innovative methods, the team kept the soil cool by spraying ice-cold water during October and November, resulting in a substantial increase in flower production, with approximately 100 blooms.
In the current season, Kesar Parvat boasts a stunning display of around 200 saffron flowers. Maintaining a temperature of 18 degrees Celsius with the help of air conditioning and ice-cold water, Dr. Garg and his team have cracked the code of growing saffron in a hot climate, where temperatures often soar to 31 degrees Celsius.
Their dream is for the fragrance and beauty of Kesar Parvat to echo far and wide, much like the precious “Red Gold” itself. Tourists are invited to witness this saffron spectacle at Kesar Parvat between 10 am and 4 pm until November 15.
