Could you imagine growing one of the world’s most precious spices right at home, without needing soil or the usual watering methods. Akshay Holey and Divya Lohakare Holey, an innovative couple from Nagpur, have done just that. Using a clever farming method called aeroponics, they’ve copied the perfect conditions for growing top-quality Kashmiri saffron, making an impressive Rs 50 lakh a year. Here’s how this Nagpur couple is changing the game for saffron growing, and learn how you can try and cultivate this sought-after spice.
Saffron, known for its delicate flavour and vibrant colour, is traditionally grown in the cool climates of Kashmir, which provide the necessary cold winters and dry summers. However, Akshay and Divya were determined to bring this valuable spice to the warmer region of Nagpur. Instead of using traditional soil-based farming, they use aeroponics – a method where plants grow in an air or mist environment without soil. This allows them to carefully control the conditions, recreating the Kashmiri climate inside their Nagpur home. Speaking to Times of India, Akshay told, “We decided to cultivate saffron as it’s expensive, its demand is high while production in the country remains low.”
Their adventure began with lots of research. The couple spent over three months in Kashmir, learning all about the traditional ways of growing saffron. This hands-on experience gave them valuable knowledge that they later used in their aeroponic setup.
At first, they experimented with just 1 kg of saffron seeds. Although their first harvest only produced a few grams, it proved that growing saffron in Nagpur was possible. Encouraged, they invested in 350 kg of seeds, which greatly increased their yield to about 1,600 grams. Their saffron farm now covers 480 square metres in two locations, including a 400-square-foot area inside their home in Hingna. The aeroponic method is not only efficient in terms of space but also good for the environment, especially since they use solar power.
What is Aeroponics?
Aeroponics is a modern and eco-friendly way to grow saffron. In this method, saffron roots hang in the air and get nutrients from a fine mist. It uses less water and gives better results than regular farming. However, setting up an aeroponic system can be expensive. As per Times of Agriculture the total cost of setting up and running an aeroponics farm comes to around Rs 60 lakhs to Rs 2.2 crore approximately and it varies based on the land, type of material used, market prices, etc.
Here’s an alternative and cheaper method to grow saffron at home:
- Soil requirements: Saffron needs soil that drains well, with a pH between 6 and 8. It thrives in sandy, gravelly, or loamy soil, which can be slightly acidic to neutral. Avoid using clay soil.
- Sunlight: Place your saffron in a spot that gets plenty of sunlight. In the early stages, it needs 10 to 12 hours of direct sunlight.
- Planting corms: You can plant saffron corms between June and July or August and September.
- Watering: Saffron requires less water than other crops, but the soil should always be slightly damp for optimal growth.
- Harvest time: Saffron is quick to harvest. The best time to grow it is during the winter months in places like
Jammu and Kashmir , Himachal Pradesh, and Karnataka. However, you can grow it at home if you create the right cool conditions.
- Soil fertilization: In order to fertilize the soil, mix cow dung and a combination of phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium in a 2:3:2 ratio. This provides the plant with all the minerals required until harvesting.
- Sow corms in pots: Make holes around 8 to 13 cm deep and at least 10 cm apart. This provides sufficient space for each corm to expand. Top the corms with a loose soil covering after planting. Don’t pack the soil so that air can circulate.
- Watering after planting: If it doesn’t rain within two to three days of planting, water the soil lightly to keep it damp. Avoid overwatering, and ensure the pot has good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
- Harvesting: Saffron flowers will be ready to harvest within three to four months. Harvest the flowers between sunrise and 10 am. Pick the red-brown stigmas from the flowers and dry them in the sun for at least five to six days.
By following these steps, you can successfully grow saffron at home.