In the quiet town of Jharsuguda, Odisha, Sujata Agarwal has transformed her passion for gardening into a groundbreaking agricultural success. From growing flowers as a hobby to pioneering hydroponics and ultimately achieving an extraordinary feat in saffron farming, Sujata’s journey is a testament to perseverance and innovation.
From Terrace Garden to Hydroponic Farming
Sujata’s love for flowers traces back to her childhood, inspired by her mother’s passion for gardening. After marrying Pawan Kumar Agarwal, she continued her hobby by cultivating a vibrant terrace garden filled with over 250 varieties of roses, marigolds, gerberas, and hibiscus. However, the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 presented her with an unexpected opportunity to explore new agricultural techniques.
While scrolling through her phone during the lockdown, Sujata discovered hydroponics—a soilless farming method that intrigued her. Determined to experiment, she conducted extensive research and set up a 320-planter hydroponic system in a 100 sq ft space at her home. Despite initial setbacks, she persevered, refining her techniques and successfully growing high-quality vegetables like lettuce, red cabbage, broccoli, and parsley.
Building a Thriving Business with Hydroponics
Recognizing the market demand, Sujata reached out to local cafes and restaurants, offering fresh, locally grown vegetables that were previously imported from cities like Pune and Bengaluru. Her pricing strategy—offering produce at competitive rates—helped her establish a loyal customer base. As demand increased, she expanded her setup to a 720-planter hydroponic system, using advanced techniques like the Dutch bucket system and deep water culture to maximize productivity.
Sujata’s meticulous approach to hydroponics allowed her to achieve seven harvests per year, significantly more than traditional farming. With a growing customer base, her yearly income from hydroponics alone reached approximately Rs 1 lakh. Encouraged by this success, she ventured into microgreens farming in 2022, further diversifying her business.
Empowering Others Through Training
To promote healthy eating and self-sufficiency, Sujata began training aspiring farmers in hydroponic and microgreens farming. She has since trained over 35 individuals, helping them set up their own farming ventures. Her business, Bloom in Hydro, has gained widespread recognition, with Sujata earning between Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 per week from microgreens sales alone.
Defying the Odds: Saffron Farming in Odisha
Despite her success in hydroponics, Sujata wanted to push the boundaries further. In 2022, while praying, she was inspired by a box of saffron and wondered if she could grow the precious spice in Odisha—an idea that many deemed impossible due to the region’s climate.
Undeterred by skepticism, Sujata invested Rs 11 lakh to create a climate-controlled aeroponics system. She procured saffron bulbs from a farmer in Kashmir, overcoming challenges in sourcing and transportation. By October 2022, her efforts bore fruit—she successfully harvested 450 grams of saffron from 25 kg of bulbs, followed by another 50 grams in January 2023.
Her pioneering saffron farming venture has not only defied traditional agricultural norms but has also become a lucrative business, earning her an annual income of Rs 32 lakh. Sujata now sells saffron and its by-products, including saffron serum, further expanding her entrepreneurial success.
A Future Rooted in Innovation
Sujata Agarwal’s inspiring journey from a homemaker to a successful agripreneur highlights the power of resilience, learning, and innovation. Her ability to adapt and experiment with new techniques has not only transformed her life but has also encouraged others to explore modern farming methods. As she continues to expand her ventures, Sujata stands as a beacon of inspiration for those looking to revolutionize agriculture in India.