No soil, no sunlight: Saffron blooms in Telangana Horticultural University

SKLTGHU scientists have successfully grown saffron using aeroponics, replicating Kashmir’s climate in a lab. The automated system eliminates soil use, reduces labour, and demonstrates potential for high-value saffron cultivation in Telangana, supported by NABARD

Hyderabad: No sunlight and soil. Yet, the vibrant saffron flower bloomed midair.

Scientists at Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University (SKLTGHU) pulled off what once seemed impossible — growing one of the world’s most expensive spices using aeroponics, with plants grown using air and nutrient-rich mist.

The university scientists have set up a futuristic laboratory that recreates cold weather condition that prevails in Kashmir where saffron is cultivated. The lab is equipped with a system that provides different t