In a pioneering effort, a Lucknow-based man has successfully cultivated saffron traditionally grown in Kashmir's cool climate and unique soil conditions using aeroponics. Saffron is traditionally difficult to cultivate outside Kashmir due to its specific needs for cooler temperatures and particular soil types. However, 38-year-old Hemant Srivastava's innovative indoor farming method has led to the first saffron bloom in Lucknow.
Srivastava, who had previously worked for a leading company in the US, left his lucrative career to pursue to get into saffron cultivation in his hometown in Vijayant Khand, Gomti Nagar. "The idea of cultivating saffron struck me while watching videos online. When I realized there wasn't much suitable land in Lucknow, I decided to try growing it right at home," he told PTI Videos. "I travelled to Kashmir, met with local farmers, and learned about their methods. That's when I felt confident I could replicate it in a controlled setup here in Lucknow," he added.
Srivastava employed the aeroponic method to cultivate saffron bulbs in an air-conditioned hall, growing the plants in a soilless and waterless environment. Srivastava's indoor farm maintains an environment that mimics Kashmir's cool climate.
"The saffron bulbs start off in soil to absorb nutrients, then go dormant. In the controlled setup, we keep them in darkness for two months before exposing them to light, which provides all the spectrums of sunlight necessary for photosynthesis," he said. He mentioned that cultivating saffron on a small scale with this setup costs between ₹7 lakh and ₹10 lakh. (approx. $8,4 to $12,1USD).
Source Hindustan Times