Solan, Himachal Pradesh: Gaurav Sabharwal, a farmer from Solan, has found a unique way to cultivate saffron. He grows the world’s most expensive spice in a small 300 sq ft room using aeroponics, a soil-less farming technique. Shoolini Saffron, his enterprise, produces high-quality saffron that sells at a staggering Rs 5 lakh per kilogram.
Sabharwal’s journey began after facing financial difficulties following his father’s demise. Seeking a profitable venture, he explored various options before settling on saffron cultivation. The high demand and limited supply of saffron presented a lucrative opportunity.
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He established his indoor saffron farming in August 2023, investing Rs 10 lakh from a government loan. The farm uses LED lights to mimic sunlight and humidifiers to maintain the ideal growing conditions. Sabharwal procures saffron bulbs from Kashmir and cultivates them in his indoor unit.
Challenges of Saffron Cultivation Sabharwal has successfully produced and sold half a kilogram of saffron in his first harvest. He also provides training to aspiring indoor saffron farming farmers and plans to expand his business through exports.
