64-Year-Old UP Woman Grows Saffron Indoors, Earns Rs 10 Lakh Annually

The idea for Shubhavni SmartFarms emerged from 64-year-old Shubha Bhatnagar's deep-rooted passion for agriculture and a desire to positively impact the lives of village women. As a housewife with grown children and grandchildren, Shubha sought to utilise her time productively.

Shubha's research into potential agricultural ideas led her to saffron farming. Despite the high risks and challenges, particularly due to the climate differences between Uttar Pradesh and Kashmir (the traditional saffron-growing region), Shubha, with the support of her family, decided to pursue indoor saffron farming. Her husband Sanjeev helped with infrastructure, and Ankit & Manjari (Son & Daughter-in-law) helped with Technology and Automation. 

According to reports, saffron production in Kashmir has substantially declined over the years. Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Arjun Munda reported that output fell from 8 tonnes in 2010-11 to just 2.6 tonnes in 2023-24, marking a 67.5% decrease according to estimates from the Office of Financial Commissioner (Revenue) of Jammu and Kashmir.

During an exclusive interview with Startup Pedia, Shubha said, "The decline in saffron production in India and the heavy import of the same also made me pursue saffron farming despite the opposite climate of Uttar Pradesh (as it needs very cold weather to grow)."

In 2023, at the age of 63, Shubha Bhatnagar, a master's degree holder in Hindi based in the Mainpuri district of Uttar Pradesh, launched Shubhavni.

About Shubhavni

Shubhavni SmartFarms specialises in saffron farming using aeroponic techniques, a soil-free method that involves growing plants in a controlled environment. This innovation allows Shubhavni to overcome the climatic limitations traditionally associated with saffron cultivation in Kashmir.

The company utilises a 560 square feet cold room, previously a storage space, equipped with chillers, humidifiers, CO2 sensors, and specialised lighting to create optimal growing conditions for saffron bulbs.

This method not only ensures the production of pure, pesticide-free saffron but also conserves water and land resources.

"By growing saffron in a controlled environment wherever we want, we are addressing two issues: one is the large amount of saffron imports in India from Afghanistan and Iran, and the second is the decline in saffron production in Kashmir," said Shubha during the conversation with Startup Pedia.

The venture's saffron bulbs, sourced from Pampore, Kashmir, provide a high-quality start for their farming venture. Shubhavni's high-quality saffron farming yields approximately 800 grams to 1 kilogram of saffron from 1000 kilograms of bulbs, with the bulbs also multiplying and increasing in weight over time. The farming process takes approximately 3-4 months to yield results.

The saffron is sold directly at ₹750 per gram to consumers through inquiries via Instagram, WhatsApp, and future e-commerce operations. Shubhavni operates through direct inquiries and plans to launch e-commerce sales in October.

The Rise of Health-Conscious Gifting

Earlier this year, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted a 'Vocal for Local' hamper that contained pearls and terracotta statues—a miniature work of art representing India's vibrant culture from Tamil Nadu, Pashmina shawl and saffron from Kashmir, as well as Darjeeling tea and Nilgiri tea.

Talking about the health benefits of saffron, the founder mentioned that saffron compounds such as Crocin, crocetin, picrocrocin, and safranal are known for its medicinal and culinary benefits. Its antioxidant properties, including crocin, crocetin, and safranal, help combat oxidative stress and neutralise free radicals.

Saffron also supports cognitive function and memory, may protect against neurodegenerative conditions, has anti-inflammatory properties, promotes eye health, aids digestion, and regulates menstrual cycles.

"The gesture by our Prime Minister has given a boost to gifting saffron on special occasions in India," added the founder during the conversation with Startup Pedia.

The company has seen significant growth in demand, driven by increased interest in saffron for healthy gifting and various ceremonies. Shubhavni currently serves major cities across India, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and more, and is exploring international markets for future expansion.

The agri startup creates awareness around the healthy benefits of saffron through social media to create a better customer base.

Financial Growth and Future Plans

The housewife turned agripreneur invested around ₹26 lakhs, funded entirely by the family, to set up the cold room for saffron farming. In its first year, Shubhavni sold approximately ₹10 lakhs worth of saffron.

The company decided to focus on establishing a strong domestic presence before considering international expansion. The next batch of saffron will be available in October, and Shubhavni plans to double its farming area to meet growing demand.

"Initially, when I shared the idea of saffron farming with my family, they were concerned whether it would succeed. Fortunately, we are doing well," said Shubha Bhatnagar, founder of Shubhavni.

Shubhavni has achieved notable milestones, including being recognised as the Agritech Startup of the Year at the Startup Mahakumbh event in Delhi.

The company employs around 22 village women who dry and package the saffron. They are earning a sufficient and regular income from the agri venture.

Although the woman entrepreneur is now 64 and is committed to a healthy lifestyle. This along with passion for empowering rural women keeps her motivated to continue doing what she does.

"By doing something innovative in rural parts of India by young people, we can boost the rural economy, create employment, and lead to reverse migration, which is very important. For men, living away from families and earning barely enough to get by in cities is still a huge emotional struggle," concludes Shubha Bhatnagar at the end of the interview with Startup Pedia.

FAQ

Q.

What is Shubhavni?

A.

Shubhavni is a smart farming venture specialising in saffron cultivation using aeroponic techniques.

Q.

Who is the founder of Shubhavni?

A.

The founder of Shubhavni is Shubha Bhatnagar. She is a 64-year-old housewife with a deep passion for agriculture.

Q.

Where is Shubhavni based?

A.

Shubhavni is based in Mainpuri district, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Q.

How is saffron from Shubhavni sold, and what is its price?

A.

Shubhavni sells saffron at ₹750 per gram directly to consumers through inquiries via Instagram and WhatsApp and plans to launch e-commerce operations in October.