Three Bihar Agricultural University (BAU) students, aiming to become 'saffron entrepreneurs' and cultivate one of the precious spices commercially, have begun growing the crop in Bhagalpur using controlled environments and modern technologies.
Usually, saffron or 'kesar' is grown in Kashmir, but the students with the assistance of researchers and scientists at BAU, Bhagalpur, have successfully cultivated it through aeroponics.
"To grow this expensive spice, we used a controlled environment and modern technologies like 'internet of things' (IoT) and 'aeroponics' (a method of growing plants without soil) under the innovative project 'Veroponik' (growing towards the future) and vertical farming method," said Anil Kumar Singh.
In September of this year, the growers germinated authentic saffron seeds sourced from Kashmir, planting the saplings in an aeroponic chamber, and by December they plan to undertake the first harvest of the spice, said a member of the Saffron Cultivation Team.
Read more at Times of India