Vivek Raj Poojary, a dynamic entrepreneur from Mangalore, has been acknowledged by Forbes India for his revolutionary contributions to the agricultural sector. With a formidable net worth of $700 million (around Rs 6,000 crore), Poojary has become a key figure in transforming agriculture, especially through his groundbreaking venture into hydroponic saffron farming.
Transforming Agriculture with Innovative Saffron Cultivation
Poojary’s foray into agriculture has set new benchmarks, primarily through his innovative use of hydroponics to cultivate saffron. Traditionally, saffron is a labour-intensive crop with specific growing conditions, mostly confined to Kashmir and Iran. However, Poojary’s indoor farming method has changed the narrative. By utilising hydroponic techniques, he has managed to control every aspect of the cultivation process, from nutrient delivery to environmental conditions, resulting in consistent, high-quality yields.
Vivek’s journey as an innovator began in 2012 when he partnered with Zimbabwe’s deputy prime minister to develop iron ore mines. His business acumen propelled him onto the international stage, and by 2014, he was a participant in the World Economic Forum, engaging with top Indian business leaders like Mukesh Ambani and Anand Mahindra. In 2016, he pivoted to spice farming and trading, quickly expanding his business to become a leading supplier across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the USA. His focus on controlled environment agriculture, especially for saffron and medicinal plants, aims to ensure steady, year-round production and reduce crop losses.
A Commitment to Sustainable Agriculture and Community Welfare
Poojary’s business vision extends beyond profits—he is deeply invested in community development. Recognising local farmers’ challenges, he has been instrumental in introducing them to modern farming techniques that enhance productivity. His initiatives include educational programs for farmers’ children and job creation for local communities, which demonstrate his commitment to social upliftment. Additionally, Poojary has organised healthcare initiatives for underprivileged groups, supported farmers in improving their yields, and set up educational centres to break the cycle of poverty.
A Global Trading Empire
Today, Poojary’s company stands as a global leader, dealing in 35 different minerals sourced from 72 countries, alongside more than 190 varieties of fruits and vegetables. His extensive business network and strategic foresight have helped him build a robust global trading enterprise. By continuously adapting to market demands and embracing cutting-edge technologies, he has solidified his standing as a major force in the global agricultural industry.
Pioneering Hydroponics: A Vision for Clean, Sustainable Food
For over a decade, Poojary has been driven by the goal of redefining traditional agriculture. His exploration into hydroponics began in 2014 when he recognised the potential of cultivating crops in controlled, indoor environments. The benefits of this method include protection from adverse weather, pests, and diseases, and the ability to maintain ideal growth conditions, leading to higher yields and superior quality. His vision extended to growing saffron—a notoriously difficult crop to cultivate outside of its native regions—in the United States, using these advanced techniques.
“Farming in a controlled environment allows us to eliminate many of the variables that can devastate traditional crops. It’s about creating the perfect conditions for plants to thrive,” says Poojary. This method has enabled him to grow saffron efficiently, ensuring a reliable supply of the world’s most expensive spice while maintaining the highest quality standards.
Hydroponic Saffron: A Game-Changer
The decision to grow saffron hydroponically stemmed from extensive research into the economics and sustainability of indoor farming. Saffron is highly prized and expensive and suffers from limited supply due to its demanding growing conditions and labour-intensive harvesting. Poojary recognised this gap and saw an opportunity to innovate. “Through careful trials, we found that saffron could be grown indoors using hydroponic methods, drastically reducing the time and labor required while still producing a premium product,” he explains. His team developed AI-powered systems to optimise nutrient delivery, enhancing the yield and quality of the saffron produced.
Economics of Indoor Farming: High Returns with Minimal Waste
Poojary’s model has proven that indoor farming can be immensely profitable. “We’ve seen profit margins of up to 300 percent in our trials, growing crops like saffron, spices, and medicinal plants,” he notes. The precision of hydroponic and aeroponic systems reduces water usage, minimises waste, and eliminates the need for harmful pesticides, creating a more sustainable and eco-friendly farming model. By 2026, Poojary plans to establish state-of-the-art indoor farms for saffron and spices, which will be the largest in the industry.
Advancing Smart Farming with AI
Beyond his farming ventures, Poojary has been a trailblazer in integrating technology with agriculture. In 2021, he filed a patent in Australia for Smart Organic LED Farming, a system that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimise crop production. This innovation allows for real-time adjustments of factors like light, humidity, and nutrients, ensuring that each plant receives the best care for optimal growth. “AI has been a game-changer for us. Our systems can predict and respond to the needs of plants better than any manual process,” says Poojary. This technology has enabled him to scale indoor farming without sacrificing quality.
A Vision for Global Food Security
Poojary’s ultimate goal extends beyond business—he aims to feed the world sustainably. He advocates for clean, chemical-free food and has ensured that all his farms use non-GMO seeds and avoid synthetic pesticides and fertilisers. “Every person deserves access to food that is free from harmful chemicals,” he asserts. “With the technologies we have, it’s possible to grow high-quality food sustainably, and that’s a responsibility we must uphold.”
Looking Ahead: Merging Passion with Innovation
Vivek Raj Poojary’s journey is a testament to what can be achieved when passion meets innovation. His farms in India and the United States are leading the way in producing clean, green food that respects both the environment and the consumer. With his focus on hydroponics, aeroponics, and AI, he is not just setting new standards in agriculture but paving the way for a global movement towards sustainable, chemical-free food production.
As Poojary continues to innovate and expand, his vision remains clear: to provide the best quality food using the most advanced, sustainable methods. His recognition by Forbes India reflects his business success and his commitment to creating a better, healthier future through responsible agriculture.
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