Indoor aeroponic saffron (Crocus sativus)

Indoor aeroponic saffron cultivation suspends Crocus sativus corms in vertical multi-tier racks while misting roots with nutrient solution, achieving 30-50% higher yield per m2 than soil and up to 80% water savings.

Key characteristics

• Originator India: SKUAST-Kashmir (2018 indoor saffron concept)
• Yield Advantage: 30-50% higher per m2 vs soil; 80% water saving
• Dormancy Protocol: 90-100 days darkness, then light for flowering
• Chamber Yield: 900-1100 g per 20x20 ft cycle

Cultivation and adoption

The technology was first demonstrated in India by SKUAST-Kashmir in 2018 to counter declining Kashmir saffron output. Standard protocol: corms dormancy at darkness (90-100 days) followed by light to trigger flowering; a 20x20 ft chamber can produce 900-1100 g of dry saffron per cycle.

References

1. Indoor saffron farming - Mongabay India. https://india.mongabay.com/2024/04/indoor-saffron-farming-offers-hope-amidst-declining-saffron-production/
2. Soilless saffron and IoT - ScienceDirect. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S3050475925001745