₹75-₹80 lakhs from Red Gold

Saffron is “Red Gold.” It is one of the most valuable spices in the world. When you think of growing saffron, Kashmir comes to your mind, but if I say that it is being grown in Madhya Pradesh, then perhaps you will be a little surprised. Let’s find out how.

How is this possible in Madhya Pradesh?

In Madhya Pradesh, saffron is grown in a controlled environment where external climate challenges do not play a major role. In that place, an individual who is not from a farming background grows saffron worth ₹5 lakh per kilogram in a room without soil, water, sunlight, or vast fields.

Who’s Behind this Innovation

Anil Jaiswal is the visionary behind this indoor saffron farming, and he has over 35 years of experience in various industries. While he is not a conventional farmer, his deep-rooted connection to agriculture and inspiration from Kashmiri saffron fields led him to explore this innovative farming technique.

His Objectives Include

• Educating traditional farmers about advanced farming techniques.
• Encouraging the new generation to engage with farming.
• Promoting women’s participation in agriculture through modern methods.
• Demonstrating that farming can be conducted in small, confined spaces.

Space and Yield Efficiency

His indoor saffron farm operates in just a 320-square-foot area, and he takes 700 kg of saffron bulbs from that. Now you are thinking about how this is possible. In this, vertical farming played a major role. This technology maximizes space efficiency.

Bulb Multiplication: A Key to Expansion

Bulb multiplication can also be done in a regular room without the need for strict temperature control. It just requires a special compost mix and an optimum light intensity of 2000-3000 lux. There should be 12 hours of light daily to ensure proper growth. After April, the bulbs are stored to prepare for the next cycle.

Harvesting and Quality Testing

When we harvest saffron, we make sure the flower produces three saffron stigmas. Then we harvest the saffron, and after that, it is carefully dried and stored in airtight containers. But quality testing plays a major role after harvest. For that, we use the water test because genuine saffron releases a golden color in water.

Market Potential and Investment

The main part of this article is here. When we go for this type of farming, we must ensure how we can invest in it. The initial investment of Anil Jaiswal was ₹6.5 lakh for the setup and ₹7 to ₹8 lakh for saffron bulbs. We expect an ROI in two years. India has a big market for this because India requires 60 metric tons of saffron annually but produces only 20 metric tons. Saffron has applications in medicine, cosmetics, and the food industry. Farmers can sell saffron through online platforms, Ayurvedic companies, and even personal branding.

Output and Revenue

The 320 sq. ft. setup produced 1.6 kg of saffron in 2024, and the market price for organic saffron starts at ₹5 lakh per kg. The estimated revenue from this setup is ₹75 to ₹80 lakh. When you enter the international market then you can get a premium price for it because international prices range from ₹8.5 lakh to ₹18-₹20 lakh per kg.

Anil Jaiswal emphasizes the importance of patience and continuous effort in making indoor saffron farming a success. Indoor saffron farming presents a lucrative, sustainable, and scalable opportunity for aspiring farmers, entrepreneurs, and agribusiness enthusiasts. Whether you’re an experienced farmer or a complete beginner, this innovation offers a gateway to high-income farming with minimal land requirements. With growing demand, high profitability, and the ability to cultivate saffron in small indoor spaces, this method is set to revolutionize Indian agriculture.

Would you consider venturing into indoor saffron farming? Let us know in the comments below!

GrowinAgri Team

Welcome to GrowinAgri, a comprehensive platform designed exclusively for agriculture students and enthusiasts. Our mission is to empower the next generation of agricultural leaders by providing them with the resources, knowledge, and opportunities they need to succeed in this ever-evolving field.