Why not attempt Saffron farming in Kerala? Know about James Kapani's success story

THRISSUR: Farming Kumkumapoovu (Saffron Flower), which is sold in the market at enormous prices, had never piqued Malayali interests before. James Kapani, from Nambiar Road, Puthur, has a story to share. James cultivates the flower by installing a chiller in a 150 sq ft room and keeping it cool.

He studied the temperature variations in Kashmir and adjusted the chiller system to an average of 10 degrees Celsius. A saffron seed costs Rs 40 and Rs 3500 per kg. It is brought from Kashmir. The walls of the room are covered with polyurethane foam, and the seeds are stored in acrofoam trays. There is also a humidifier to adjust the humidity, a thermometer to measure the temperature, and a lux meter to check the amount of light. It cost about Rs 8 lakh for James to set up the room.

The seeds are placed in trays and cultivated using aeroponics. There are UV grow lights for sunlight. The light and temperature inside the room are adjusted through an automation system. The seeds will sprout within 15 days. Harvesting can begin within two months. One seed will have two or three flowers. James, who was working at the Ministry of Defence in Saudi Arabia, started the venture after returning to Kerala.

500 kilograms of seeds are cultivated in 150 square feet. One hundred grams of Kesar can be obtained from one hundred kilograms. One gram costs between Rs. 500 and 600. After drying the flowers in a dryer, the Kesar inside is taken out. This Kesar is sold as saffron. After removing the Kesar, the flower can be used to make Ayurvedic medicines. Saffron is currently cultivated in Wayanad and Kanthalloor, Idukki.