Solan: Gaurav Sabharwal, a progressive farmer from Solan, has been successfully harvesting saffron indoors using aeroponic technology. Aeroponics is a unique way of farming where plants grow without soil. Currently, he cultivates saffron in a 300-square-foot area and earns a hefty amount through this scientific approach to farming. His aim is to expand the cultivation area to 1,000 square feet in the future.
In the aeroponic technique, plant roots remain suspended in the air and receive essential nourishment through a mist of nutrient-rich water. Gaurav stated that this innovative technique has significantly boosted production in a limited space.
He first experimented with saffron cultivation using this method in 2022 on a small scale. Encouraged by positive results, he enlarged his farming area to 300 square feet in 2023, sourcing saffron bulbs from Kashmir. His initial investment was high; he took loans to fulfil his dream.
He invested Rs 7 to 8 lakh for the aeroponic saffron farming in a 300-square-foot area. The production was low in the first year, but slowly he got success and recovered his investment within a couple of years, making a profitable business.
Saffron farming needs a temperature around 8°C to 23°C from August to November. To get the perfect temperature, he installed a temperature control system so that he could maintain the temperature as per the weather and situation.
Sourav’s success has made it clear that saffron can be grown beyond Kashmir. His achievement is a lesson for others to adopt modern farming methods and get better produce and high profit as well.
The demand for saffron is high in India, and due to low production, the nation has to depend on Iran. If aeroponic technology is implemented on a large scale, then saffron cultivation is possible in other parts of the country.
