Kashmir, November 12,2025: In a remarkable example of innovation and sustainable farming, a man from Thrissur, Kerala, has successfully cultivated Kashmiri saffron — one of the world’s most precious and climate-sensitive crops — on his rooftop using aeroponic technology.
Defying traditional growing conditions that confine saffron cultivation to the cold climes of Kashmir’s Pampore region, Praveen Nair, a tech-savvy agriculturist from Thrissur, has demonstrated that with the right technology, environment control, and precision farming, the spice can flourish even in the tropical south.
Using a soil-less aeroponic system with temperature and humidity regulation, Praveen recreated the microclimate of Kashmir’s saffron fields on his terrace garden. “It was a challenge to simulate the cold, dry conditions saffron requires. But with aeroponics, I can control the environment and nutrient delivery with precision,” he said.
Agriculture experts have lauded the experiment as a breakthrough in urban and controlled-environment agriculture, noting its potential for high-value crop diversification across India.
Praveen’s initiative has also caught the attention of horticultural scientists and startup incubators exploring tech-driven farming models for crops traditionally limited by geography.
“This is not just about growing saffron—it’s about redefining how we think of farming. If we can grow Kashmir’s gold on a Kerala rooftop, we can reimagine food security and agricultural innovation,” Praveen added.
His success story highlights the growing trend of urban farming and agri-tech innovation across India, blending traditional knowledge with modern science to expand possibilities in sustainable cultivation.
