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Two Freshly Passed-Out BTech Grads Start Indoor Saffron Farming in Gujarat, Clock ₹20 Lakh in Annual Turnover

Subhash Kanetiya came across a research paper and got the idea to practice indoor farming of Kashmiri saffron in Gujarat & founded Hightech Agribiotech.

By Ishita Ganguly
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Subhash Kanetiya

Subhash Kanetiya - Founder of Hightech Agribiotech

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While pursuing a B.Tech in Biotechnology from Aspee Shakilam Biotechnology, Surat, a village boy Subhash Kanetiya came across a research paper that gave him an idea to cultivate indoor, temperature-controlled Kashmiri saffron in Gujarat. Teaming up with a senior friend, Ashish Bavaliya, Subhash planned to start an innovative agro-based business, Hightech Agribiotech.

In an exclusive interview with Startup Pedia, Gujarat’s Subhash Kanetiya shared how his sudden decision to abandon his corporate dreams to become a saffron farmer has shaped his life.

Journey of becoming a saffron farmer

Both Subhash and Ashish having studied in the Agricultural Department had some knowledge about saffron cultivation. However, neither had any practical experience.

In Gujarat, farming practices are mostly inclined towards chemical farming due to irregular rainfall. Currently, many farmers from the state are adopting technology to cultivate fruits such as mangoes, guavas, custard apples, lemons, and chickpeas.

Meanwhile, the two friends from Hamapur village wanted to practice Kashmiri saffron, carving a new path for the entire state. They researched saffrons for around three years before importing saffron bulbs from Jammu and Kashmir and were amazed to find their resemblance with radishes.

The two friends invested around 15 lakhs and launched their saffron startup, Hightech Agribiotech, in 2023 to supply high-quality aeroponic saffrons. After venturing into saffron cultivation they used social media intensely to market the products.

Of the total money invested, 50% was needed to install the setup charges while 50% went into buying saffron seeds. As they preferred a long-lasting setup over a temporary one, the expenses were higher as explained by Subhash Kanetiya. The full setup cost was around Rs. 7-8 Lakh while saffron seed cost being pricey, it cost Rs. 900-1000 per kg.

Saffron harvest is completed in 3-4 months, so the saffron farmers cultivate saffrons twice a year. Each harvest yields 1 kg of saffron, producing 2 kg of saffron by the end of the year.

In the remaining months, the saffron farmers multiply seeds to procure more. 

Also read: 57-YO Homemaker Turns Jackfruit into Innovative Food Products, Clocks ₹12 Lakh Annually (startuppedia.in)

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Kashmiri saffron produced at Hightech Agribotech by indoor organic farming

Challenges in saffron farming 

Saffron plants need cold climatic conditions to survive. Now, in the hot and dry environment of Gujarat, the two freshly passed-out B.Techs were training to achieve something seemingly impossible. The two friends decided to set up a cold storage facility of 216 sq ft at Ashish’s farm. 

What is aeroponic farming?

Aeroponics is a method of growing plants without soil. Instead, roots are suspended in the air and irrigated with a nutrient-dense mist. This differs from hydroponics, where plant roots are submerged in a solution of water and nutrients.

Indoor saffron farming

The two friends started practising indoor saffron farming also called aeroponic farming. For this soil was not required but a cold storage room was needed. Apart from that, the other requirements were: a humidifier that added nutrient-rich moisture to the air and wooden trays with holes. The plants were suspended in the air in a moist environment.

The cold storage set-up required an air conditioner, a wooden frame, and a machine for extracting carbon dioxide. Additionally, an automated system of machines was installed in the facility to process the saffron bulbs. Moreover, a generator was installed for a continuous power supply and they used horses to transport the saffron bulbs. 

saffron farm
Saffron produced at Subhash Kanetiya's farm

How to do saffron bulb multiplication?

Saffron Bulbs (Crocus Sativus) can multiply by corm from the ‘mother’ bulb of Crocus Sativus. Interestingly, the other Crocus species multiply from seed. Spring is the growing season when the mother bulb of Crocus Sativus produces smaller daughter corms in its surroundings. Towards the end of Spring, the mother bulb is consumed by the daughter corms of Crocus Sativus. The most fascinating part is that all the daughters produce new flowers the following season in the Fall.

The current market price of saffron seed is 900-1000/kg.

“Once the bulbs are put in, they start sprouting in 15-20 days,” informed Saffron farmer Subhash. “The optimum temperature for saffron flowering lies between 17 and 25 degrees Celsius. Flowering starts on the 50th day and then you have to start harvesting,” he said to Startup Pedia.

Why indoor saffron farming is becoming popular?

Saffron cultivated in Kashmir is world-famous for its high quality. Kashmir is the world’s second-largest saffron producer after Iran. In 2020, Kashmiri saffron even received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag to provide it with a unique status.

As per the estimates provided by the Office of Financial Commissioner (Revenue), UT of Jammu & Kashmir, saffron production has drastically decreased in Kashmir from 8 tonnes in 2010-11 to 2.6 tonnes in 2023-24 because of climatic changes. However, during the last year from 2022-23 to 2023-24, saffron production has marginally increased by 4%.

Meanwhile, the Saffron Market size was valued at USD 1166.24 Million in 2023 and is expected to grow by 1850.09 Million by 2031, indicating a CAGR of 6.55% from 2024 to 2031. The red spice is becoming more popular in culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic applications which is elevating its demand. [Source: Verified Market Research]

However, this is a boon for startup founders who intend to start a business by practising indoor saffron farming either by aeroponics or hydroponics (plants are grown in nutrient-enriched water and without soil).

Why should you choose saffron even though it is expensive?

Hightech Agribiotech’s Subhash Kanetiya admitted saffron is expensive. However, he reasoned procuring the best strains is tough. For instance, their saffrons are 100% organic and lab-tested. So, those are pricey. He shared some of the health benefits that make saffron an important spice to add to your diet.

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Pure organic saffron tested at the laboratory

Some of the health benefits of saffron are enumerated below:

  1. Saffron contains antioxidants that protect your cells against free radicals and oxidative stress. The most notable antioxidant in saffron is crocin which is responsible for saffron’s red colour. Research suggests it may have antidepressant properties and could protect brain cells against progressive damage and could prevent cancer among other diseases.

  2. Saffron is called the “sunshine spice” because it is believed to brighten up your mood.

  3. Apart from having cancer-fighting properties, saffron reduces Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or the physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms that occur in women before the start of a menstrual period.

  4. Studies have shown that saffron may have aphrodisiac properties or it helps boost your libido.

  5. Research suggests saffron reduces the risk of cardiac diseases and lowers blood sugar levels.

Current productions at Hightech Agribiotech

At present 2 kgs of saffron is produced annually at Hightech Agribiotech. The young farmers plan to produce 4 kgs of saffron annually in the near future.

The winner of the Millionaire Farmer of the Year Award, Subhash admits things were tough in the beginning. However, they were always researching saffron cultivation and ways to increase its production. 

“By God’s grace, our saffron production is increasing," he disclosed. "We produce 100% organic saffrons, which means no chemical treatment is done, no adulteration is there.”

Presently, the saffrons at Hightech Agribiotech are sold at a rate of Rs. 1000 per gram. 

“Our saffrons go to customers mostly through Instagram and word-of-mouth publicity,” the agro startup founder said proudly to Startup Pedia.

Now, clocking an annual turnover of Rs. 20 lakhs, saffron startup owner Subhash shared his expectation of higher returns in FY 2025.

saffron farming
Photograph: (Organic saffron by indoor farming at Hightech Agribotech)

Training on saffron farming

Presently, Subhash Kanetiya and Ashish Bavaliya’s Hightech Agribiotech provide both offline (on-site) and online training sessions to interested saffron entrepreneurs in small batches of four or five individuals for a fee of Rs. 10,000. Along with the training a year-round consultation is also provided to the trainees.

“If you have the confidence and the discipline to learn saffron cultivation, you can start the saffron business," the saffron startup founder shared. "Whether you are an agriculture or biotech student or not, if you are open to learning, you can launch your startup. Technology makes things easier these days!”

Hightech Agribotech has quickly become a leader in saffron farming. It helps farmers grow their own saffron in cold storage. The saffron entrepreneurs Subhash Kanetiya and Ashish Bavaliya are also constantly working on optimising space and building cold storage to multiply saffron production.

Also read: Gold Medalist Professor Leaves Prestigious College Career to Become Mushroom Farmer, Makes ₹50 Lakh Annually (startuppedia.in)

FAQ

What is Hightech Agribiotech?
Founded in 2023 by B.Techs, Subhash Kanetiya and Ashish Bavaliya, it is a saffron startup selling high-quality, only organic saffron to customers all over the world.
How does the brand sell their saffron?
Hightech Agribotech sells its saffron mostly through its Instagram page and word-of-mouth marketing.
Apart from selling saffron products what other services are offered by Hightech Agribotech?
The company provides training to interested saffron farmers offline on their site as well as online.
Why is saffron called the “sunshine spice”?
It is called so because of its colours and also because it enhances the mood.