Revolutionising saffron indoor cultivation in Wayanad

In a groundbreaking development for Indian agriculture, saffron (Crocus sativus), the world’s most expensive spice, has been successfully cultivated in a controlled indoor environment in Wayanad, Kerala.

Seshadri Sivakumar, a civil engineer-turned-agricultural entrepreneur, has employed cutting-edge aeroponics technology at his venture, LNS AgriTech, near Sulthan Bathery. This innovative approach allows saffron to thrive without soil or direct watering, addressing the challenges posed by traditional farming methods.

Mr. Sivakumar’s journey into saffron cultivation began with a keen interest in sustainable agricultural practices. After researching indoor cultivation techniques, he travelled to Pune to learn from established setups. Armed with this knowledge, he initiated his saffron farming project, aiming to overcome the limitations of climate change and soil degradation that have hindered traditional saffron production.

Sustainable solution

Aeroponics presents a sustainable solution to the challenges faced by saffron farmers, says Mr. Sivakumar. By eliminating the need for soil, he could enhance disease management and facilitate high-density planting, significantly boosting yields. A specialised cold room has been developed to maintain precise temperature and humidity levels, while targeted grow lights stimulate flowering, mimicking ideal conditions for saffron growth. This advancement enables saffron cultivation in diverse geographical regions, offering new opportunities for farmers across the country. The 33-year-old farmer has spent ₹13 lakh for the project around six months ago and he has started the harvest now.

One of the key advantages of indoor saffron farming is its remarkable space efficiency. Traditional open-field setups typically plant saffron corms or bulbs 20–30 per square metre density. In contrast, aeroponic systems can accommodate 200–300 corms per square metew, substantially increasing potential yield. An indoor aeroponic setup can produce 4–5 grams of dried saffron per square metre, compared to just 0.5–2 grams from conventional fields. Furthermore, the integration of vertical farming techniques allows for multiple layers of corms, multiplying space utilisation by 3–5 times.

The demand for saffron in India has been steadily increasing, driven by its culinary, pharmaceutical, ayurvedic, and cosmetic applications. India’s annual saffron demand is estimated at 100–150 tonnes, while domestic production hovers around 5–7 tonnes, primarily from Jammu and Kashmir. Consequently, India imports approximately 70–80% of its saffron, mostly from Iran. Mr. Sivakumar is planning to sell the produce after branding it domestically in retail market.

He said indoor saffron farming presents a promising solution to bridge this demand-supply gap, reducing reliance on imports and offering farmers a lucrative crop option that is not constrained by climatic conditions.

With retail prices ranging from ₹2,00,000 to ₹5,00,000 per kilogram, saffron is among the most expensive spices globally, Mr. Sivakumar said.

Published - November 29, 2024 12:10 am IST