A family vacation to the picturesque valleys of Kashmir was all it took. As Anil Jaiswal traversed from the bustling streets of Srinagar to the tranquil saffron fields of Pampore during his 2023 vacation, he stumbled upon a vibrant tapestry of purple blooms that piqued his curiosity.

These were the famous saffron fields, their richness embedded deeply in the purple petals that danced in the cool mountain breeze of the valley.

Intrigued by its allure, Anil and his family couldn’t resist stopping to learn more about this exotic spice that thrives largely in the unique, cool climate of Kashmir. “We spoke to local farmers to learn the nuances of saffron cultivation, considered to be the pride of Kashmir,” he adds.

This experience turned into a life-altering experience for Indore-based Anil. The 59-year-old, who previously held a prestigious three-decade career in engineering and the pharmaceutical industry, found himself enchanted by the beauty and exclusivity of Kashmiri saffron. “The vibrant purple flowers with their delicate stigmas were a spectacle to behold,” he recalls.

Fueled by curiosity and a natural affinity for agriculture, Anil pondered, “Could saffron be grown in Indore?”

This question lingered in his mind even........

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