Punjab News: Two brothers from Muktsar town, who have no farming experience, have produced saffron in a room at their home. Raghu Gumber, a 25-year-old law graduate, and Somil Gumber, a 31-year-old banker, began cultivating saffron last year, but this year marked their second successful harvest.
Notably, this crop—which is regarded as one of the costliest spices—is typically grown in regions with mild climates, like Kashmir.
How they did saffron farming?
Raghu said, “Neither I nor my brother have any farming experience. We belong to a family of traders. It was our dream to do something unique. Then we got an idea to start saffron cultivation. We spent nearly Rs 6 lakh on setting up a ‘lab’, which is a cabin of 10×10 ft with a temperature control system. Besides, we purchased some wooden trays and iron racks. The saffron cultivation season begins at the end of July and the harvesting starts in November.”
“We purchased saffron seeds from Pampore in J & K last year. However, in our first attempt, we did not meet with success. This year, we again tried our hands at saffron cultivation. We purchased nearly 2.5-qunital seeds at about Rs 600 per kg and started indoor farming. It just requires automated devices to control temperature, humidity and light. This soil-free farming technique is called aeroponic. As of now, we have harvested 100-125 gm saffron crop and are hopeful to get 300-350 gm total produce. Talks are underway with a company to sell it,” said further Raghu.
Assistant Director, Horticulture, Muktsar district, Kuljeet Singh said, “I am unaware of saffron cultivation trial in Muktsar. The PAU has not recommended its cultivation in our state. It is good to know that two they have got success in their trial.”
Also Read: ABC sends Chandrababu Naidu to 14-day judicial remand in corruption case
Keep watching our YouTube Channel ‘DNP INDIA’. Also, please subscribe and follow us on FACEBOOK