Creativity is a hidden talent and only rare people are blessed with it. Recite you acknowledges the work of those extraordinary talents amongst them one such is Harsh Patil, a forward-thinking farmer from Nandurbar, Maharashtra who by using his creativity has transformed saffron farming by introducing aeroponic farming techniques.
Let’s first discuss how traditionally saffron was grown? Saffron cultivation was mostly done in cold regions, but Harsh’s innovative approach has made it possible to cultivate and change this approach of saffron cultivation to valuable spice indoors indeed breaking the geographical barriers. His dedication to give something tremendous is an inspiration to many aspiring farmers looking for profitable and sustainable agricultural methods. Saffron, often called “red gold,” is one of the most expensive spices in the world. Traditionally grown in cold climates, saffron farming was once limited to specific regions only.
Harsh Patil didn’t want to live a corporate life, and was more inclined to business as jobs in the tech field are at constant threat of downturn. In third year of college, he started looking for business opportunities but his parents were disappointed with his idea. Thus, while pursuing his higher education from one of the most recognized universities, he started exploring new technologies and methods of farming.
Cultivating saffron for the first time made him experience both spooky and thrilling. His harvest of 350 grams of saffron earned him Rs 1 lakh, proving indoor saffron farming is functional. His future plans are to expand his production and educate farmers on Aeroponic techniques.
Harsh is actively involved in farming workshops, which helps farmers to step into the world of modern high value crop farming. Where their mission is to empower farmers to overcome the challenges posed by unpredictable outdoor weather conditions, promoting sustainable and resilient agricultural practices.
Here’s Why opt for Aeroponics for Saffron?
Aeroponics is a soil free agricultural technique where plants develop with their roots hanging in the air where they obtain their nutrients from the fine spray. This approach offers multiple benefits for saffron farming such as increased yield where plants absorb nutrients directly, resulting in enhanced growth and additional blooms. Cultivating saffron indoors removes the necessity for expansive fields.
Avoid the reliance on climatic conditions, lowering chances of agricultural loss along with reduced water consumption Aeroponics utilizes considerably less water than conventional soil farming.
Harsh Patil’s Guide to Aeroponic Saffron Farming
Cold climate is required to grow saffron. As Aeroponic farming is to be done indoors, Harsh Patil guides to set up a controlled environment by the use of thermocol and puff panels. He shares that 15×15 room is more than enough for small-scale farming along with machinery like chillers, humidifiers to keep the temperature like Kashmir i.e, 15-20°c.
Mogra bulbs generally cost Rs 600 and Rs 800 per kg, which is used by Harsh to grow Saffron. He advises sourcing bulbs for sprouting only after the unit is ready. According to him, farmers can start saffron cultivation from 100 kg of bulbs to collect a produce of about 40 grams.
As saffron bulbs are vulnerable to fungus attacks, multi-layered Aeroponic systems with trays were built by Harsh Patil to suspend saffron corms. Thereafter, he dipped the bulbs (corms) in neem oil solution to remove bacteria, and dried them naturally under the fan. He mentioned to use plastic trays over wooden ones as it is less inclined to fungus attacks.
Harsh Patil installed the air conditioner that automatically regulated the temperature of 15×15 room. For instance, when the desired temperature is attained, it automatically switches off and when the temperature reduces by three degrees, it restarts. As power expenses are around Rs 6000 to Rs 7000 per month, Harsh advises to use solar energy which will help to reduce power expenses.
Read Also: Sustainable, Plastic-Free Future! Trishula Edible Cutlery
Saffron has a life cycle – dormancy, flowering, and multiplication stage, therefore it can only be harvested once a year. In October when saffron flowers bloom, Harsh Patil plucks stigma sticks from saffron crocus and gets three stigma sticks from each flower and places them on a clean cloth and advises to dry them naturally under the fan. He adds that farmers can earn up to Rs 700 per gram stigma sticks. After harvesting, daughter corms are at their multiplication stage. It takes four months for the daughter’s corms to get multiplied into two. And these bulbs are saved for the next cycle.
Saffrons are dried and stored in airtight glass containers which keep them away from moisture and sunlight. Then the farmers can sell the saffron through online markets and alike. Aeroponic saffron farming is an innovative and sustainable approach to cultivating this valuable spice. By using advanced techniques, growers can enjoy high yields with minimal resources, making it an excellent option for those looking to enter the saffron business. Whether for personal use or commercial production, aeroponics makes saffron farming easier and more accessible than ever.
Saffron which is often known as the golden treasure of nature, glows with warmth and richness, bringing vibrancy to everything it touches. Its delicate threads, rare and precious, hold within them a fragrance that lingers like a whispered secret.
