Monica Torres Chancellor of NMSU System Community Colleges | nmsu.edu
Monica Torres Chancellor of NMSU System Community Colleges | nmsu.edu
New Mexico State University researchers are investigating the potential of non-traditional crops to enhance the state's agricultural landscape and economy. Led by Saeid Zehtab Salmasi, the research director at NMSU’s Sustainable Agriculture Science Center in Alcalde, one study is focusing on saffron cultivation. Salmasi and his team successfully harvested flowers from 2,000 saffron corms planted last fall. He explained that "saffron has a unique growing cycle wherein flowers emerge during fall, followed by leaf growth until May."
Salmasi's research involves examining how planting timing and irrigation levels affect saffron growth. Saffron, known as the world's most expensive spice, can generate significant revenue with its high market price.
"Diversification toward high-value crops can be a promising strategy to enhance farmers’ economic welfare in the region," Salmasi stated. The project aims to provide new knowledge and promote low-input plants to growers in northern New Mexico while improving soil health and increasing biodiversity.
Another project involves selecting lavender cultivars suited for northern New Mexico's conditions. NMSU's Robert Heyduck and Kevin Lombard collaborate on this initiative. Since 2018, seeds have been collected from lavender plants that endured harsh conditions.
Shengrui Yao, an Extension fruit specialist at NMSU, researches jujubes or Chinese dates across several centers. Jujubes thrive in central and southern New Mexico and continue to gain popularity due to their nutritional benefits.
Yao also explores stone fruits like peaches and cherries at Alcalde. Her colleagues address challenges such as labor, water availability, climate issues, and limited acreage for growers.
"Farmers are great entrepreneurs," said Jay Lillywhite of NMSU's College of ACES. He works with Adedapo Oyenugo on an economic feasibility study concerning non-traditional crops' profitability.
"The analysis will help producers determine if growing and processing these crops can be profitable," Lillywhite added.
This story originally appeared in ACES Magazine's fall 2024 issue.
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