Growing up in Solan, primarily known for its mushroom production, Gaurav Sabharwal decided to look for a different yet profitable business idea. He started Shoolini Saffron and set up a 300 sq ft aeroponics farm to grow the 'red gold' or saffron. With a controlled and chemical-free environment, he grew 500 gm of the 'red gold' and sold it at a remarkable Rs 500 per gram.
"I could see numerous mushroom planters in Solan who were earning substantial incomes. However, with the market saturated with producers, prices were steadily decreasing. I realized I needed to do something different."
"Everyone knows how expensive saffron is and how profitable it can be. However, I always assumed that it can only be grown in Kashmir," he says, adding that he started researching on the internet if there were ways of growing it in Himachal province.
"I did the first thing that most people would do — go on the internet and read up about aeroponics. I found a bunch of people growing saffron using the technique, and I decided to contact them, reaching out for their help," he says.
After nearly eight months of labor and planning, Gaurav grew 500 grams of saffron in his aeroponics farm. "The produce, although not a lot, was a good sign. I was very tense because this was a leap of faith for me. Earlier, I had no intentions of doing anything, and seeing those buds flower was a great feeling," he says.
Source: thebetterindia.com