Growing Kashmiri Saffron Indoors: Ludhiana's Profitable Sibling Team
The Future of Farming: Innovating Agriculture with Indoor Saffron Cultivation
When we traditionally picture farming, images of vast fields, muddy hands, and reliance on natural elements come to mind. However, in 2026, the definition of farming is evolving, especially with ventures like Grow Grower changing the landscape of agriculture in India.
Grow Grower, a pioneering initiative led by siblings Asthika and Shankar Narula, alongside their father Vikas Narula, is redefining farming practices by cultivating one of the world's most precious crops, Kashmiri saffron, in a climate-controlled room in Ludhiana, Punjab.
Seeding Change: From Curiosity to Innovation
- Vikas Narula, a former banker with a keen interest in agricultural practices, delved into the world of indoor saffron farming during the COVID-19 lockdown.
- Driven by the unmet global demand for high-quality saffron, especially of Kashmiri origin, the Narula family embarked on a journey of research and exploration to bring their vision to life.
Cultivating Innovation: The Art of Indoor Saffron Farming
Through meticulous planning and research between 2019 and 2024, the Narula family honed their knowledge in indoor farming technologies.
- Utilizing aeroponic techniques, which allow plants to grow without soil, they recreated the optimal conditions for saffron growth.
- By controlling temperature, humidity, light, and carbon dioxide levels, they successfully replicated the climate of Kashmir within their facility.
Harvesting Success: Nurturing Growth and Yield
- After substantial investments and overcoming initial challenges, Grow Grower saw its first saffron bloom, symbolizing years of determination and belief materializing.
- The venture has experienced steady growth, generating revenue through exports and domestic sales, highlighting the economic viability of their innovative approach.
- With a focus on scalability, Grow Grower has established a network of partner farms across India to meet the increasing global demand for high-quality saffron.
Cultivating a Vision: Toward a Sustainable Future
Grow Grower exemplifies a new paradigm in agriculture where innovation and technology converge to revolutionize traditional farming practices.
- By envisioning a future where India plays a significant role in saffron production and supply, the Narula family aims to create a sustainable ecosystem for high-quality saffron cultivation.
- Through their perseverance, Grow Grower stands as a testament to the transformative power of dedication, research, and a pioneering spirit in reshaping the agricultural landscape.
All images courtesy Shankar Narula
Source: The Better India