Noida innovator's saffron revolution | Fusion - WeRIndia

In the bustling city of Noida, far from the saffron fields of Kashmir, Ramesh Gera has pioneered a revolution in the cultivation of the world’s most expensive spice.

With a background in electrical engineering and a career spanning over three decades across multinational companies, Ramesh’s journey into agriculture might seem unconventional. Yet, it’s a testament to innovation and sustainability.

During a professional stint in South Korea in 2002, Ramesh discovered advanced farming techniques, including hydroponics and indoor saffron cultivation.

This experience was a revelation, especially upon learning about India’s reliance on imported saffron to meet 70% of its demand, with Kashmir supplying just 30%.

Seeing the gap in supply and demand as an opportunity, Ramesh decided to venture into saffron cultivation post-retirement.

In 2017, Ramesh transformed a 100-square-foot room in his Noida home into a greenhouse for saffron cultivation.

This endeavour required an initial investment of ₹6 lakh, covering construction and procurement of saffron seeds from Kashmir.

The operation costs, comprising electricity bills of ₹4,500 monthly and annual labour costs of ₹8,000, were relatively low, making this venture economically viable.

Ramesh’s efforts bore fruit, quite literally, with the cultivation of saffron that commands a high price in the market.

It can be up to ₹2.5 lakh per kg wholesale and ₹3.5 lakh retail. Exploring the export market could potentially push earnings to ₹6 lakh per kg.

The success of Ramesh’s indoor saffron farm led him to share his knowledge through his institute in Noida. Offering a two-day online training course for ₹12,000, Ramesh has trained over 370 individuals, mentoring them for a year.

This training program generates a substantial monthly income of ₹3.5 lakh, contributing not only to Ramesh’s financial success but also to the spread of sustainable agricultural practices.

Ramesh Gera’s story is not just about the entrepreneurial spirit; it’s about reimagining possibilities, where innovation meets tradition.

With it, he transformed a small room in Noida into a goldmine of saffron cultivation and set a precedent for future farmers and entrepreneurs.

Image Credit: Vathlu, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Saffron_Flowers_in_Khorasan,_Iran.jpg