Kathmandu, May 8: A three-day workshop seminar on saffron farming began under the auspices of the Ministry of Local Development remote area development committee here today.

Inaugurating the workshop, Deputy Prime Minister and Local Development Minister Ramchandra Paudel spoke of the need for the government and the private sector to work together for the development of saffron as a means of poverty alleviation.

Since the demand for saffron is very high in international market, production of quality saffron would help earn foreign exchange, he said, urging the botanists to provide training and other necessary help to the farmers in the mountainous region for encouraging saffron farming.

From the chair, Minister of State for Local Development Suresh Malla urged the experts concerned to pay special attention to promoting saffron farming so as to promote income generation in remote rural areas.

Botanist Dr. Samar Bahadur Malla said the history of saffron farming in Nepal dates back to 1960 and added that saffron is used in preparing dye, treatment of heart ailments and enhancing virility.

Experts concerned are scheduled to present working papers on the importance of saffron, efforts made for saffron farming in Nepal and technical and other necessary infrastructures for saffron farming at the workshop.

Experts concerned, farmers engaged in saffron farming and representatives of ngos and local bodies are taking part in the workshop.