Thrissur: Saffron, the prized spice traditionally grown in the cold regions of Kashmir, is now being successfully cultivated in the warm climate of Thrissur. James Kappani, a 50-year-old resident of Puthur and a retired defence employee from Saudi Arabia, has made this possible by setting up a specially designed saffron cultivation room in the attic of his house.

James has managed to simulate the cool temperatures and low humidity levels that saffron plants require. The room is air-conditioned and insulated with polyethylene foam. Seedlings are grown in Acroform trays, under ultraviolet light. Devices such as humidifiers, thermometers, lux meters (to measure light intensity), and surveillance cameras are used to maintain and monitor optimal growing conditions remotely.

James has sown around 500 kilograms of saffron corms, imported from Kashmir, with an estimated initial investment of ₹4.8 lakh just for the seeds. On average, each corm produces 2 to 4 flowers, and within four months, the plants reach full maturity. A single harvest can yield approximately 750 grams of saffron. Within six months, James expects to begin harvesting, and his long-term goal is to shift the cultivation to polyhouses and focus on seed production.

According to James, saffron cultivated in an area of just 150 square feet can match the output of a traditional one-acre field. Currently, saffron cultivation in Kerala is limited to regions like Kanthalloor and Wayanad.

The initiative, named ‘Kashmiri Kesar Agritech’, was formally inaugurated a few days ago. Already, sprouts have begun emerging from the planted corms. The specially constructed room cost around ₹7.5 lakh, and James received technical guidance from experienced saffron growers in Kashmir and Wayanad.

Saffron is widely used in Iran, Kashmir, Spain, Greece, and Morocco, not only for its culinary value but also in cosmetics and Ayurvedic medicine. The spice is highly valuable, fetching a market price of ₹3 to ₹6 lakh per kilogram.

James’ family, including wife Sheeja (a nurse) and sons Achilles and Felix, are actively supporting his saffron journey. The local Agriculture Department and Panchayat have also officially recognised the project.

This homegrown saffron initiative in Thrissur represents a significant innovation in Kerala’s agricultural landscape, combining traditional farming knowledge with modern technology to bring a high-value crop closer to home.