Saffron Grown Hydroponically Indoors in Kayseri

October 30, 2026 · Dünya Gazetesi

Entrepreneurs in Kayseri, developing an alternative to traditional agriculture, have overcome challenging climate conditions with indoor hydroponic farming, achieving high yields of saffron, the world's most expensive spice.

Saffron Revolution Indoors in Kayseri

Saffron, considered among the world's most valuable and expensive spices, has been grown hydroponically indoors through an innovative agricultural project implemented in Kayseri. Entrepreneur Mustafa Demir, who initially cultivated saffron using traditional methods on open land, moved his production model to a controlled indoor environment to overcome the uncertainties created by weather conditions. This trial, a first for the city, has achieved high yield rates. Mustafa Demir, who aims to harvest over half a kilogram of saffron this season, noted that focusing on high-value medicinal and aromatic plants is a strategic step for domestic producers.

Hydroponic Model Against Climate Risks

Sharing the details of the production process, entrepreneur Mustafa Demir described the indoor model they developed against climate risks in his own words:

'This year, we grew saffron using indoor hydroponic farming for the first time in Kayseri. Demand for saffron cultivation is increasing year by year in our country. Demand is high in the areas where saffron is used, and our producers are also showing increasing interest in medicinal aromatic plants known as one of the world's most valuable spices. Among our goals, increasing saffron cultivation is a priority. The most fundamental thing I would recommend to entrepreneurs is not to listen too much to people's comments. Generally, there is a perception that they cannot succeed. We first tried it on land with traditional farming and achieved significantly successful results. To develop a more resilient model against climate risks, we later moved it indoors. As you can see this year, we achieved significant yields indoors. We plan to harvest more than half a kilogram of saffron.'

Opportunity for Entrepreneurs Without Large Land Holdings

Ziraat Yüksek Mühendisi (Agricultural Engineer) Raisa Kalkay, who is overseeing the technical aspects of the project, touched upon the difficulties of growing saffron in Kayseri's continental climate conditions. Stating that the indoor application offers an important alternative for producers with limited land availability, Ziraat Yüksek Mühendisi Raisa Kalkay made the following assessment:

'It is very valuable that Mustafa Demir is doing this work in Kayseri. We are currently in a pilot region. Growing saffron in climate conditions like Kayseri's is truly very difficult. Saffron is not suitable for all climates. The reason we support indoor farming is that not everyone may have extensive land. We are in a period where we need to monetize our hobbies and businesses. We want to support production while continuing our existing jobs.'

Early Flowering and Spiritual Contribution

Ziraat Yüksek Mühendisi Raisa Kalkay, who shared her initial concerns due to climate conditions during the early stages of production, described the process regarding the plants' development in the following words:

'Honestly, I was a bit hesitant. Because we also need support from the climate. Kayseri's climate was difficult. We experienced the excitement of what would happen and how it would progress until the last moment. Saffron flowered much earlier than we expected. The results made us very happy.'

Ziraat Yüksek Mühendisi Raisa Kalkay also pointed to the positive effects of agricultural activities on mental health and called on producers:

'Agriculture is very valuable for the country and the world right now. Agriculture contributes a lot spiritually and is also something that provides psychological relief. I recommend everyone to touch flowers, soil, nature, and experience the feeling of producing.'

Türkçe