“There’s No Age Limit to Learning”: How a 63-Year-Old Homemaker Built a Saffron Empire
Who says dreams have an expiry date? Shubha Bhatnagar, a 63-year-old homemaker from Mainpuri, Uttar Pradesh, has proven that age is just a number when it comes to chasing ambitions. From nurturing her family for decades to becoming an agripreneur, Shubha’s inspiring journey into saffron farming is a testament to determination, learning, and resilience. Today, she is the proud founder of Shubhawani Smartfarms, a venture that grows saffron using cutting-edge aeroponics technology while empowering rural women.
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The Spark of a Dream
Shubha Bhatnagar spent 40 years as a dedicated homemaker, pouring her energy into raising her two children and caring for her family. But as her children grew older and her responsibilities lessened, Shubha began to feel the urge to do something meaningful for herself and society.
In May 2023, she shared her vision with her family: she wanted to grow saffron indoors and provide employment to rural women struggling to make ends meet. Inspired by her determination, her son, an engineer, and her husband, a cold-storage businessman, offered their unwavering support. Together, they embarked on a journey to turn Shubha’s dream into reality.
Why Saffron?
Saffron, often referred to as “red gold,” is one of the most expensive and sought-after spices in the world. Known for its rich aroma, vibrant color, and medicinal properties, it is primarily grown in the valleys of Kashmir. However, climate change and shrinking cultivation areas have threatened its production in recent years.
Shubha saw an opportunity. “Why not grow saffron indoors, in a controlled environment?” she thought. This idea not only aligned with her husband’s expertise in cold storage but also had the potential to revolutionize saffron farming in India.
The First Steps: Learning and Research
Shubha and her family dove headfirst into research. They explored methods to replicate Kashmir’s unique climatic conditions using technology. But before they could proceed, Shubha insisted on visiting Kashmir to understand saffron farming firsthand.
In Kashmir, the family spent a week with local farmers, observing the meticulous process of saffron cultivation. From sourcing high-quality saffron bulbs to learning about soil types, drying methods, and harvesting techniques, they left no stone unturned. They also purchased 2,000 kilograms of premium saffron bulbs to kickstart their venture.
Setting Up Shubhawani Smartfarms
Back in Mainpuri, the family converted a 560-square-foot cold storage room into a state-of-the-art indoor farm. Using IoT devices and sensors, they meticulously controlled the temperature, humidity, and light conditions to mimic the environment of Kashmir.
The process of growing saffron was far from easy. The bulbs, resembling garlic pods, had to be dried, aerated, and cleaned manually—tasks traditionally performed by women in Kashmir. Shubha personally oversaw these labor-intensive steps, ensuring the highest standards were maintained.
In just 60 days, the first batch of vibrant purple saffron flowers bloomed. Each flower was hand-harvested and carefully dried to produce the precious spice.
From Kitchen to Boardroom
Transitioning from a homemaker to a businesswoman was a steep learning curve for Shubha. She mastered everything from handling technology and managing logistics to marketing and customer relations. “There is no age limit to learning,” Shubha says with a proud smile.
By January 2024, Shubhawani Smartfarms had sold over two kilograms of saffron, generating revenue of ₹8 lakhs. Today, they sell saffron online for ₹750 per gram and have plans to expand production.
Empowering Rural Women
A cornerstone of Shubha’s vision was to create meaningful employment for women in her community. Today, Shubhawani Smartfarms employs over 25 rural women, offering them a stable income and a dignified work environment.
For Geeta Devi, a 40-year-old mother of five, this job has been life-changing. “Earlier, I worked in the fields under the scorching sun, earning barely enough to feed my family. Now, I work in a comfortable environment and earn more,” she shares. Geeta has also encouraged 20 other women to join the venture.
Shubha’s dream is to extend this opportunity to many more women, giving them the financial independence to support their families and educate their children.
The Science Behind Indoor Saffron Farming
Saffron farming indoors involves a meticulous process:
- Drying and Aerating: Fresh saffron bulbs are dried and aerated for three days to remove excess moisture.
- Cleaning and Silvering: Each bulb is hand-checked for rot and cleaned to ensure only the healthiest bulbs are planted.
- Planting in Trays: The bulbs are placed in trays and stacked on racks in the cold storage room.
- Controlled Environment: IoT devices regulate temperature and light to mimic natural conditions.
- Harvesting: In about 60 days, the flowers are harvested, and the saffron stigmas are carefully dried and packaged.
A Saffron Revolution in the Making
Shubha’s journey is not just about personal success. She is determined to make indoor saffron farming accessible to others. “I want to create a saffron revolution and show people that this precious spice can be grown anywhere with the right technology,” she says.
Her next goals include tripling the production area and experimenting with harvesting saffron twice a year—a significant departure from the traditional once-a-year harvest.
Why Indoor Farming Matters
As climate change continues to disrupt traditional agriculture, indoor farming offers a sustainable solution. Unlike conventional farming, it is not affected by unpredictable weather, soil degradation, or land availability. With proper technology, indoor farming can yield higher productivity in smaller spaces.
For example, Shubhawani Smartfarms produces the same amount of saffron in 560 square feet as a traditional farm would on 1.5 acres of land.
A Message to Women Everywhere
Shubha’s journey is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to follow your dreams. Her advice to women is simple: “Never underestimate yourself and your dreams. Age, background, or experience should never hold you back.”
Never underestimate yourself and your dreams. Age, background, or experience should never hold you back.
Shubha’s story is not just about saffron farming; it’s about breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and proving that with determination and hard work, anything is possible.
As she continues to grow her business and uplift her community, Shubha Bhatnagar is not just cultivating saffron—she’s cultivating hope, empowerment, and change.
