IN A pioneering effort, a Lucknow-based man has successfully cultivated saffron -- traditionally grown in Kashmir’s cool climate and unique soil conditions -- using the aeroponic technique that requires no soil. Saffron is traditionally difficult to cultivate outside Kashmir due to its specific needs for cooler temperatures and particular soil types. However, 38-year-old Hemant Srivastava’s innovative indoor farming method has led to the first saffron bloom in Lucknow.

 

Srivastava, who had previously worked for a leading company in the US, left his lucrative career to pursue to get into saffron cultivation in his hometown in Vijayant Khand, Gomti Nagar. “The idea of cultivating saffron struck me while watching videos online. When I realisedthere wasn’t much suitable landin Lucknow, I decided to try growing it right at home,” he told PTIVideos. “I travelled to Kashmir, metwith local farmers, and learnedabout their methods.That’s whenI felt confident I could replicateit in a controlled setup here inLucknow,” he added.