Mr. Prajwal, the visionary founder of VertiRoots, hailing from Gunjiganuru, Chitradurga, Karnataka, is breaking new ground in the farming world by growing saffron indoors using advanced aeroponics technology. Saffron, known as Red Gold for its high value and unique flavor, is traditionally grown in Kashmir, where the regions distinct soil and climate create ideal conditions. However, Prajwals innovative approach challenges this norm by cultivating saffron in a controlled indoor environment.

The Genesis of VertiRoots

For Prajwal, the journey of VertiRoots began with a single step—choosing the best saffron corms and nurturing them in optimal indoor conditions. "This is where life begins," he says, reflecting on the careful selection process. His goal is clear: to harvest premium saffron that can rival the finest produced in Kashmir. Currently, his saffron plants are in their vegetative phase, where they develop leaves, laying the groundwork for the future bloom of the precious spice.

The Vertical Farming Setup

Pioneering vertical farming on a 600 square-foot land area, Prajwal maximizes the available space by growing vertically. His setup utilizes five stacked layers, each separated by a gap of one and a half feet, making it possible to grow significantly more saffron in a compact area. "This approach helps me grow as much as possible," Prajwal explains. The full-spectrum grow lights provide the necessary wavelengths for the saffron plants to thrive, from germination to flowering. The unique light spectrum is tailored to meet the specific needs of saffron, which requires different wavelengths at each growth stage.

Maintaining the Ideal Environment

Saffron farming indoors requires precise control over environmental factors. Humidity and temperature are critical to ensuring the plants growth. Prajwal has implemented a dehumidifier to purify the air and a sophisticated chiller unit that can maintain temperatures within a 2-degree range, essential for optimizing saffron yield. The chillers ability to adjust the temperature ensures the plants receive the perfect climate for growth during different phases.

Growing Saffron in a Vertical Farming System

Prajwal uses durable plastic trays to cultivate saffron in this vertical system. These trays are designed to be stacked, maximizing space and efficiency—critical for indoor saffron farming. To prevent contamination from harmful pathogens and pests, the trays are sterilized using neem oil, ensuring a clean and safe environment for the saffron bulbs.

The process of growing saffron begins with careful bulb segregation to remove unhealthy ones. After segregation, the corms are cleaned, and the protective coverings are removed. Mulching is used around the plants to prevent weed growth. During late summer to early fall (August to October), saffron corms are planted to ensure they grow properly under artificial lighting. A carefully timed light exposure schedule is essential for mimicking the natural growth cycle of saffron.

Prajwals Vision for the Future

With his innovative techniques and passion for saffron farming, Prajwal is setting a new precedent in agriculture. The combination of aeroponics, vertical farming, and precise environmental control offers the potential to grow high-quality saffron in locations far from the traditional growing regions. By overcoming the challenges of saffron cultivation, VertiRoots is poised to bring this coveted spice to new heights.

Prajwal concludes, "The journey of growing saffron indoors is still evolving, but the possibilities are endless. My goal is not just to grow saffron, but to revolutionize its farming for the future."

Watch the gritty Techniques of VertiRoots:

Edited by Gayathri