From Sunday Dinner to a Future of Hope and Opportunity
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It was March 2023. I expected a regular Sunday dinner with my family: My wife, Manjari, my mom, Shubha, and my dad, Sanjeev.
That evening turned out to be anything but ordinary.
During our meal, my mom explained she wanted to try something new and follow her passion for farming. She wanted to grow saffron indoors using new, environmentally friendly methods and help women in rural areas have better opportunities.
We all felt a sense of possibility and purpose while sitting there and listening to her. It was the start of something amazing — a journey that would bring us closer together and allow us to make a difference in the world.
That simple family meal led us to a future full of hope and opportunity.
Revolutionizing saffron cultivation
90 percent of the world's saffron is produced in Iran. It also grows in Jammu and Kashmir, India, about 1,200 kilometers (746 miles) from our city.
The climatic and geographical differences between these regions posed significant challenges. We explored ways to recreate the saffron cultivation conditions using innovative air techniques without relying on soil or water.
We created an optimal environment for saffron growth by managing crucial factors like temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide levels, and light indoors.
Shubhavni SmartFarms is born
The name "Shubhavni" symbolizes our family's commitment and connection to nature.
It combines Shubha, my mother's name, meaning "auspicious" or "fortunate" with Avni, my daughter's name, representing "earth" or "natural strength" in Sanskrit.
Shubhavni embodies the idea of an "Auspicious Earth" and our "Fortunate Connection to Nature."
Our goal was to ensure my mother's success and to set an example for women across rural India. My mother aspired to address the challenges within the saffron industry and empower households in rural areas by engaging women in meaningful work.
My wife, father, and I wholeheartedly embraced the opportunity to support my mother. We devoted weekends, holidays, Days for Me, and personal time off to help.
We provided computer literacy training, recognizing the importance of digital skills in today's world. We facilitated vendor interactions, funded the setup of a cold room for saffron farming, and selected appropriate IoT sensors to monitor and control temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide levels.
To expand my mother’s reach, we introduced her to Cisco Webex, a platform we believe can revolutionize traditional agricultural practices. With Webex, my mother could connect with individuals across India interested in indoor saffron cultivation, offering remote consultations and training sessions.
Empowering women and pioneering the future
We placed seeds in late August 2023, culminating in our first harvest of over two kilograms (four pounds) of dried saffron in November.
This cycle underscores the efficiency and effectiveness of our cultivation techniques, laying a solid foundation for future growth and expansion. With each cycle, we refine our processes and methodologies, ensuring sustainable and high-quality saffron production for years to come.
Shubhavni SmartFarms employs more than 20 women from rural India. We plan to utilize the infrastructure beyond saffron harvesting, exploring options like fruit and vegetable storage.
We’re also gearing up to expand our production capacity with additional cold rooms. These new cold rooms will help us scale our production and create more employment opportunities for women in rural India.
My mom wants Shubhavni SmartFarms to be a player in the health-conscious gifting sector. Given saffron's numerous health benefits and the challenges in obtaining pure and high-quality saffron, she aims to position her brand as a provider of premium saffron products.
Some reflections
The journey of witnessing my mother thrive and the transformative impact on women’s lives in our community is deeply fulfilling.
Cisco's culture and values not only make it the best place to work but provide the foundation to support her dream and enact positive change. We are immensely grateful to Cisco leaders for their unwavering support.
I take immense pride in being a part of the exceptional family at Cisco. We urge fellow Cisco employees to pursue their passions and contribute to causes that resonate with you, no matter how small the action may seem.
It is a privilege to be part of an initiative that uplifts rural families and fosters sustainable growth. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram.
Together, let's continue to inspire and empower.
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