India's efforts to cultivate saffron beyond its traditional hub in Kashmir are gaining momentum. In regions like Kerala, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and the North East, innovative methods such as poly-houses, hydroponics, and aeroponics are being employed. Even in non-traditional areas, like Sikkim and parts of Arunachal Pradesh, saffron cultivation is expanding, supported by government initiatives. However, challenges such as climate adaptation, pest resistance, and optimal irrigation persist, emphasizing the need for ongoing research and support.
Forest fires raging for over 40 hours in Mizoram Apr 26, 2021
The fire is largely in uninhabited areas but has spread to 10 village councils within the forest and devastated wildlife 0 CLAPS
true
Massive forest fires have broken out in several parts of Mizoram damaging vast tracts of land and vegetation forcing chief minister Zoramthanga to seek central help, an official of the state disaster management and rehabilitation department said on Sunday.
No human casualty has, however, been reported so far but detailed reports are yet to come in from the affected districts, the official said.
Zoramthanga has requested Indian Air Force (IAF) for help and the IAF is deploying two helicopters to douse the blaze at Lunglei and surrounding areas, the defence ministry said. Lunglei is the worst affected and the state government will probe the cause of the forest fire as it is suspected to be man-made, the official said.