Saffron infuses unmatchable colour and flavour into food and drink, which makes it a sought-after treasure. While the demand for the invaluable spice surpasses supply, this floral wonder that goes with it is almost exclusive to the picturesque valley of Kashmir.
However, a young IT professional from Udupi, along with a friend, have brought the serene saffron field to his home, albeit in a cutting-edge way. Ananthajith Tantry and his friend, Akshath BK, have grown saffron at the former's home through the aeroponics method of cultivation, as their initial experiment of cultivating the spice using soil last year failed to yield the desired results.
With his family already acclimated to coconut plantation, Tantry wanted to engage in indoor farming. He sourced the saffron tubers online and tested them growing in the soil. As it was ineffectual, he went to Belagavi last year to attend a training session and learnt that saffron tubers can be grown through aeroponics techniques. Accordingly, he transformed a room in the upper storey of his home in Bailoor, Udupi district, to grow saffron in a controlled environment.
Currently, his 180 sq ft room has become a source of Crocus Sativus species of saffron, known for the culinary use of its stigmas. Around 110 kg of saffron tubers is being cultivated this year and the crop will be ready for harvest by October.
Read more at The New Indian Express