No soil, no sunlight: Saffron blooms in Telangana Horticultural University

SKLTGHU scientists have successfully grown saffron using aeroponics, replicating Kashmir’s climate in a lab. The automated system eliminates soil use, reduces labour, and demonstrates potential for high-value saffron cultivation in Telangana, supported by NABARD

Hyderabad: No sunlight and soil. Yet, the vibrant saffron flower bloomed midair.

Scientists at Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University (SKLTGHU) pulled off what once seemed impossible — growing one of the world’s most expensive spices using aeroponics, with plants grown using air and nutrient-rich mist.

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The university scientists have set up a futuristic laboratory that recreates cold weather condition that prevails in Kashmir where saffron is cultivated. The lab is equipped with a system that provides different temperatures during the day and night, humidity, sunlight and carbon dioxide levels.

The facility also has a full aeroponic system. By changing the temperature, and artificial lighting for germination, plant growth, and flowering from time to time, organic saffron, cultivated in a 200-square feet area, was extracted successfully. The project is funded by NABARD.

Unlike regular soil cultivation, which is a cumbersome and laborious process, this system is fully controlled via an application that requires minimal labour.

Principal investigator Prof Pidigam Saidaiah said saffron flowers have started appearing. “The cultivation has been underway for the last two months. With this, scientists from the Horticultural University have proven that saffron, which is grown only in Kashmir, can be cultivated in a controlled environment in Telangana,” he said.

Saffron, also known as ‘red gold’ for its vibrant hue, high value, and medicinal properties, has long been cultivated in Kashmir’s cool climate, particularly in Pampore village of Pulwama district. However, with the increase in real estate and environmental changes, the area under saffron cultivation and quality decreased.

SKLTGHU Vice Chancellor Dr Danda Rajireddy said the University has undertaken research on saffron to provide modern technology to the State farmers from time to time. “If necessary, we will also set up saffron model labs in colleges and horticultural research institutes under the university and provide training to local farmers,” said Dr Rajireddy.

NABARD Hyderabad Chief General Manager B Uday Bhaskar said NABARD has initiated schemes to provide new knowledge to everyone with the aim to improve farmers’ income.