Imagine growing one of the world’s most prized spices right at home, without soil or traditional watering methods. For Akshay Holey and Divya Lohakare Holey, this dream has become a reality. This innovative couple from Nagpur has successfully used aeroponics to grow Kashmiri saffron, a spice known for its delicate flavor and vibrant color. Their efforts have paid off, with the couple now generating an impressive Rs 50 lakh annually.
A Unique Approach to Growing Saffron
Saffron, traditionally grown in the cold climate of Kashmir, requires specific weather conditions—cold winters and dry summers. However, Akshay and Divya found a way to grow this valuable spice in the warmer climate of Nagpur by using aeroponics, a soil-free farming method. In aeroponics, plants grow suspended in air and receive nutrients from a fine mist, allowing for precise control over the growing environment.
“We decided to cultivate saffron because of its high demand and expensive price, with production in India remaining low,” Akshay shared in an interview with Times of India. Their journey began with extensive research, which included a three-month trip to Kashmir to learn about traditional saffron cultivation. This hands-on experience helped them create an aeroponic setup that replicated the conditions needed to grow saffron.
From Small Beginnings to Big Yields
Initially, Akshay and Divya experimented with just 1 kg of saffron seeds. Although their first harvest produced only a few grams of saffron, it confirmed that growing saffron in Nagpur was possible. Encouraged by their success, they expanded their efforts by investing in 350 kg of saffron seeds, which boosted their yield to about 1,600 grams. Today, their saffron farm spans 480 square meters across two locations, including a 400-square-foot space inside their home in Hingna.
The couple’s aeroponic farm is not only efficient in space usage but also eco-friendly. They utilize solar power to run their operations, contributing to sustainability.
What is Aeroponics?
Aeroponics is an advanced farming technique where plants are grown without soil, with their roots suspended in the air and nourished by a fine mist of nutrients. This method uses significantly less water than traditional farming and yields better results. However, setting up an aeroponic farm can be costly. According to Times of Agriculture, the total cost for establishing an aeroponic farm ranges from Rs 60 lakh to Rs 2.2 crore, depending on factors like land, materials, and market conditions.
A Simple and Affordable Alternative: Grow Saffron at Home
If you’re inspired by Akshay and Divya’s success and want to try growing saffron at home, there are simpler, more affordable ways to do so. Here’s a basic guide for growing saffron in your own garden:
- Soil Requirements: Saffron needs well-drained soil with a pH between 6 and 8. Sandy, gravelly, or loamy soil is ideal. Avoid using clay soil.
- Sunlight: Place your saffron in a sunny spot. In the early stages, it needs 10 to 12 hours of direct sunlight each day.
- Planting Corms: You can plant saffron corms between June and September. Make sure to plant them at least 10 cm apart, and dig holes 8 to 13 cm deep.
- Watering: Saffron requires minimal water. The soil should stay slightly damp, but be careful not to overwater.
- Soil Fertilization: Mix cow dung with a combination of phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium in a 2:3:2 ratio for healthy growth.
- Harvesting: Saffron flowers bloom in three to four months. Pick the flowers between sunrise and 10 AM. Gently remove the red-brown stigmas and dry them for five to six days under the sun.
Why Saffron?
Saffron is not just a spice; it’s a lucrative crop with great potential. Growing saffron at home could lead to a valuable harvest, as the spice is in high demand globally. Whether you choose to use aeroponics like Akshay and Divya or a more traditional method, you could find yourself cultivating a sought-after spice that adds value to your garden or business.
Final Thoughts
Akshay and Divya Holey’s journey to grow saffron in Nagpur is a testament to the power of innovation and persistence. They have not only made a significant impact on the saffron industry but also shown that it’s possible to grow this precious spice in unconventional ways. Whether you’re looking to try your hand at saffron farming or just inspired by their entrepreneurial spirit, there’s no doubt that their story will continue to inspire many.
Ready to give it a try? With the right conditions and a bit of patience, you could be growing your own saffron at home soon!
