Kashmiri saffron blooms at Indore man's home

INDORE: Fifty-eight-year-old science graduate Anil Jaiswal of Indore pursued his passion for innovative farming and replicated Kashmir valley's climate in his 320 sq ft room to cultivate one of the world's most expensive saffron spice through the aeroponics method. Aeroponics is a method to grow plants without soil.

In his second innings after 35 years in the pharmaceutical industry, Jaiswal invested Rs 6.5 lakh from his savings to establish a greenhouse on the first floor of his residence by installing two chillers, humidifiers, specialised tube lights and a puf panel to create an artificial environment for saffron cultivation.

Music panels are fitted in the greenhouse to broadcast bird chirping and Gayatri mantra, an initiative suggested by Jaiswal's wife Kalpana to incorporate a vibrant element to the plantation. Jaiswal intends to market the spice at Rs 5 lakh per kg domestically and Rs 8 lakh per kg in international markets.

"I always aspired to practise advanced farming where I could involve my wife and enhance our household income. The inspiration for saffron cultivation emerged during our Kashmir visit where we encountered saffron plantations and were astounded by its demand and value," said Jaiswal.

Harvest of 1.5-2kg saffron anticipated, says Jaiswal

Upon returning, I researched various global journals on advanced farming techniques when aeroponics appealed to me, and I resolved to commence this cultivation at my residence," said Jaiswal.

Jaiswal's wife and 22-year-old son assist him with cultivation of saffron at the greenhouse and other vegetables at the polyhouse situated approximately 25 km from Indore.

He procured one tonne of Mogra saffron bulbs from Pampore in Kashmir, of which he has planted 700 kg, whilst the remaining 300 kg will serve as seeds to cultivate bulbs locally.

"I anticipate harvesting at least 1.5-2 kg saffron from my cultivation if circumstances remain favourable. The essential aspect is maintaining the desired climate by regulating temperature and carbon dioxide levels suitable for the spice. From next year onwards, I shall utilise bulbs cultivated at my own facility under controlled conditions," said Jaiswal.

The saffron bulbs were introduced to the greenhouse in September and are currently in the flowering stage.

Jaiswal intends to construct an additional storey in his residence to experiment with cultivation of microgreens, mushrooms and strawberries in controlled conditions.

Praveen Sharma, an expert in aeroponics said, "Cultivating saffron in houses using advanced methods is a new trend catching up rapidly and many people are trying their hands on it. The trend is growing but the profitability in this artificially created environment is still not fixed because it requires an expensive set up and high operational cost. A lot of parameters have to be maintained like carbon dioxide, humidity, light and others."TNN