Manipur man produces saffron through indoor farming system, defy climate challenges

Manipur's Khundrakpam Sureshkiran alias Tomba, has successfully produced saffron, one of the world’s most expensive spices also known as "Red Gold", using an innovative aeroponic farming system. 

Tomba, a sound recordist and theatre production manager by profession, has ventured into saffron cultivation, challenging the region's unsuitable climate and demonstrating the possibilities achievable through determination and innovation.

Tomba, now in his mid-30s, recently shared his journey with India Today NE. He explained that the ongoing social and economic challenges in Manipur influenced his decision to take up saffron cultivation as an alternative income source. “Many of us have faced financial hardships and job losses due to the conflict here. I needed a way to support myself, and through my research, saffron cultivation became an idea worth exploring,” Tomba shared.

Saffron, often called “Red Gold” for its high value and rarity, is primarily grown in Kashmir’s Pampore region, where the climate is ideal for cultivating Crocus sativus, the plant from which saffron is derived. However, environmental changes have reduced saffron yields in Kashmir, spurring interest in controlled indoor cultivation in different parts of India. Although saffron is not widely known or used in Manipur, Tomba saw potential in developing a local supply of this highly prized spice.

Starting his venture in a 7 x 10-foot lab at his family home in Laipham Khunou, Imphal East, Tomba invested approximately ₹4 lakh of his own savings, importing 180 kilograms of saffron bulbs from Kashmir at ₹1000 per kilogram. His setup includes an air-cooled chiller and other tools necessary to maintain the ideal temperature throughout the year. Without any government assistance, Tomba has independently managed the project and plans to expand it in the future. 

As he now nears his first harvest season, which spans mid-October to mid-November, Tomba expects to produce around 400 grams of saffron. Given saffron’s high market value, estimated at ₹5 lakh per kilogram, he anticipates breaking even on his investment within three years. With the saffron seeds’ lifespan extending up to eight years, Tomba expects to begin profiting after three years of steady yields.

Confident about his venture, Tomba has connected with a saffron cultivation forum, which provides insights on marketing, technical support, and further resources. He envisions saffron becoming more popular in Manipur, highlighting its value in cooking, medicine, and cosmetics. As he carefully separated the saffron’s vibrant red stigma from a saffron flower, Tomba explained, “This part—the deep red, fibrous stigma—is what holds the value. Each flower has only three filaments, which is why it’s so precious.”

Despite financial challenges and limited formal training in saffron farming, Tomba remains undeterred. “Seeing my first 400-gram yield from such a modest start gives me hope and fuels my determination,” he remarked. “I believe that if you pursue something with honesty and resilience, your efforts won’t go to waste. I hope that the youth of Manipur can also explore innovative ventures beyond government jobs and bring new ideas to life.”