Nagpur’s Akshay and Divya Holey have proved that big dreams can flourish in small spaces. What started as an experiment with just 100 saffron seeds in a tiny room has now blossomed into Shaya Enterprises, a thriving saffron farming startup clocking Rs 30 lakh in revenue in FY25.
Why Saffron? The Couple’s Unique Approach
Back in 2018, the couple was searching for a business idea that could be run from home, was non-perishable, in high demand, and offered premium returns. Saffron, the world’s most expensive spice, ticked all the boxes. With India’s annual demand for saffron at nearly 100 tonnes but domestic production a mere 6-7 tonnes, the opportunity was clear.
After months of research and trips to Kashmir, Akshay and Divya learned traditional saffron farming. They combined this knowledge with modern aeroponic technology-growing saffron without soil, using nutrient-rich mist in a climate-controlled room.
Building Shaya Enterprises: Investment and Growth
Their journey began with a modest investment of Rs 15 lakh, spent on seeds, equipment, and research. Starting small in Dhule, their first experiment yielded 85 flowers from 100 seeds. Encouraged, they moved to Nagpur and scaled up, setting up an 80 sq ft room and eventually a 400 sq ft production unit.
In FY24, the couple harvested 1,600 grams of saffron and earned Rs 10 lakh. By FY25, their output soared to 4.73 kg, pushing revenue to Rs 30 lakh. Each gram of their lab-tested, unadulterated saffron sells for Rs 630, while half a gram fetches Rs 350.
Training Others and Expanding Horizons
The couple’s success sparked interest from aspiring agripreneurs. Shaya Enterprises now offers saffron farming training, with packages ranging from Rs 7,000 to Rs 15,000. This additional stream has helped push their total annual revenue, including training, up to Rs 40 lakh.
Looking Ahead: Microgreens and More
Saffron’s growing season runs from August to November. To keep the business thriving year-round, Akshay and Divya are now venturing into microgreens, selling DIY kits and launching a microgreens powder brand.
Inspiration for Urban India
Akshay and Divya’s story is a testament to innovation, resilience, and the power of technology in Indian agriculture. Their journey shows that with the right idea and determination, even a small urban space can yield golden results.