Hemant Srivastava Under a unique effort, has achieved success in growing saffron in Lucknow. However, saffron can only be grown in the cool climate and unique soil conditions of Kashmir. Hemant has grown it through aeroponic technique, in which there is no need of soil. Traditionally, the cultivation of saffron requires cold temperatures and a special type of soil, due to which it is difficult to cultivate it outside Kashmir. But 38-year-old Hemant Srivastava used a controlled indoor environment for this.
Left a good job in America and came to India
Srivastava, who had worked on thick packages in a leading American company, recently returned to his home in Vijayant Khand, Gomti Nagar here and got engaged in saffron cultivation. He told news agency PTI-Video, “After leaving my job in America and coming back, I wanted to do something unique. I got the idea of cultivating saffron after watching an online video. I realized that there was not much suitable land in Lucknow. I decided to try it at home.”
Saffron grown in AC room
He said, “I went to Kashmir and met the local farmers there and learned about their methods. This gave me confidence that I can try for this in a controlled setting here in Lucknow.” Using the aeroponic method, Srivastava grew saffron in an air-conditioned hall where the plants are growing without soil.
What is aeroponic method?
Aeroponics is a high-tech process in which plants remain in the air and nutrients are provided to their roots in a controlled system. He also used vertical farming which allows maximum yield in limited space. “By combining these methods, we are able to grow more plants in less space,” he said. They have created an environment that matches the cool climate of Kashmir. He said, “In this controlled system, we keep these plants in darkness for two months before exposing them to light so that they get the sunlight required for photosynthesis.” He said that saffron cultivation is done on a small scale. For this he has initially invested Rs 7 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.
