Which of the following soils is suitable for growing saffron?

Question

Which of the following soils is suitable for growing saffron?

1. A. Clay
2. B. Loamy
3. C. Karewa (Correct answer)
4. D. Sandy

Correct Answer

Option C — Karewa

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Karewa.

Key Points

• Karewa soils are ideal for growing saffron. These are lacustrine deposits — old lake-bed clays, silts and sands — found on the elevated tablelands of the Kashmir Valley.
• Their well-drained, slightly elevated character suits the saffron corm, which rots in waterlogged ground.

Additional Information

• Pampore in Pulwama district is the heart of Kashmiri saffron cultivation, and Kashmir saffron carries a GI tag.
• Saffron is the world's costliest spice by weight: each flower yields only three stigmas, and around 1,50,000 flowers are needed for a kilogram.
• Karewas are also used for almond and apple orchards, and are a distinctive landform of the Valley.