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A Nagpur couple is redefining farming by growing saffron—the world’s most expensive spice—without soil or water, using an innovative aeroponic technique.
Their small-scale experiment has blossomed into a Rs 50 lakh annual business. (Photo Credits: Instagram/@divya_lohakare)
lGrowing saffron in a city known for its scorching heat sounds like a far-fetched idea. But a Nagpur couple has not only pulled it off but turned it into a highly profitable venture. In a small 400-square-foot room, Akshay Holey and Divya Lohakare Holey are cultivating the world’s most expensive spice without using soil or water. Using an innovative aeroponic technique, they have managed to recreate the cool, misty conditions of Kashmir, allowing them to generate an impressive Rs 50 lakh annually. Akshay, a BBA graduate and Divya, a banker, started their journey in 2020 with a simple goal, to tap into the high demand for saffron, which remains underproduced in India.
“We decided to cultivate saffron as it’s expensive, its demand is high while production in the country remains low,” Akshay told The Times of India. To understand the intricacies of saffron farming, they spent three and a half months in Kashmir over two years, learning from experienced growers.
They began with just 100 saffron corms, roughly 1 kg, and managed to produce only a few grams in their first cycle. But rather than getting discouraged, they saw potential and expanded their operation. Investing in 350 kg of seeds, their next harvest yielded about 1,600 grams. Encouraged by their progress, they scaled up further, setting up a 400-square-foot facility in Hingna alongside another 480-square-meter unit, reports TOI.
Their persistence paid off. Over the past two years, their revenue has consistently ranged between Rs 40 to 50 lakh. But their impact extends beyond their own success. “So far, we’ve trained 150 people, of whom 29 have successfully set up their own units across the state,” Akshay said. For a fee of Rs 15,000 per participant, they provide training and help aspiring growers establish their own saffron units. They also purchase saffron from these growers for packaging and marketing, creating a sustainable business model.
Their production numbers have been remarkable. “Last year, our output, including partner units, reached 45 kg,” Akshay revealed. The investment required to set up a 100-square-foot unit is approximately Rs 10 lakh, with an annual yield valued at Rs 5 lakh. “It’s a one-time investment. Seeds are only bought once, and each seed produces three to five flowers with three saffron strands per flower,” he explained.
Saffron is harvested between August and December, while the rest of the year is dedicated to seed cultivation. The equipment used in their aeroponic setup is built to last. “The machinery can run efficiently for 20 to 25 years,” Akshay added. Their business model is not just profitable but also sustainable. “Our profit margin is around 80% because there are virtually no ongoing costs,” he said. Solar power eliminates electricity expenses and since no fertilisers or hired labor are needed, they handle everything on their own.
From an initial investment of Rs 55 lakh, they have earned Rs 1.3 crore over five years, with the bulk of the profits coming in the last two years. Their saffron, graded by the Saffron Institute of Kashmir, is sold at Rs 630 per gram. “We merged traditional farming with technology. We are growing saffron using air and mist, without soil or water. And it transformed our lives,” Akshay stated.
- Location :
Delhi, India, India
