Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi

Udupi, Nov 6: In an innovative venture, two young IT professionals, Ananthjit Udupi and Akshath B K from Manipal, have successfully grown Kashmiri saffron in the coastal climate of Udupi, a feat considered improbable due to the region's typically warm weather. Saffron, known for thriving in the cold climates of Kashmir, is valued at approximately Rs 4 to Rs 7 lac per kilogram.

The duo, friends since college who later founded their own software company, embarked on this challenging endeavour driven by a passion for agriculture. They converted a 180-square-foot room in Ananthjit’s house in Bailoor, Udupi, into a controlled environment using air conditioning, chillers, and humidifiers to maintain the required 6°C temperature for saffron cultivation. This project, which demanded an investment exceeding Rs 10 lac, was partly funded by an Rs 8 lakh bank loan.

Initially, Ananthjit and Akshath attempted to grow saffron bulbs in local soil but faced setbacks. However, with high-quality bulbs sourced from Kashmiri farmers and strict environmental controls, including measures to prevent pest issues and maintain hygiene, they achieved success. The project has so far yielded 37 grams of saffron, and the duo anticipates reaching a 50-gram harvest.

Locally, Kashmiri saffron commands around Rs 400 per gram, with prices rising to Rs 700 per gram after grading in Kashmir. Saffron is highly sought after for its potent medicinal properties, often consumed by pregnant women in milk, and used in culinary and traditional sweet preparations. Its natural dyeing properties add to its demand, with flower petals valued at Rs 20,000 per kilogram for medicinal and colorant production.

Ananthjit and Akshath are already seeing returns from their initial harvest and have started selling their product under a brand. They believe that further trials and innovations could lead to expanded saffron cultivation in the coastal region.

"We have invested significant time and resources in this venture and are excited by the initial success. We look forward to exploring more possibilities and scaling our efforts," said Ananthjit and Akshath.

The project highlights a promising new direction for local agriculture, showcasing that with the right approach, even challenging crops like saffron can be cultivated in unexpected climates.