As the sun sets over Avtar Dhillon’s farm in Abbotsford, B.C., a picturesque scene unfolds with rows of elegant purple flowers blooming. Nestled within these flowers are the coveted crimson threads of saffron, the world’s most expensive spice. Dhillon expresses his aspiration to bring a unique touch to Abbotsford through his saffron farming venture.
His journey into saffron cultivation began in 2021, marking a pioneering effort in B.C. as one of the few farmers venturing into large-scale saffron production in the region. However, his initial success was marred by the devastating B.C. floods in November of the same year, which submerged nearly 250,000 saffron bulbs on his farm. Despite the setback, Dhillon remained resolute in his ambition to establish Abbotsford as the saffron capital of B.C.
Fast forward four years, Dhillon’s dream is once again thriving. He has expanded his saffron farm, implemented innovative harvesting technologies for efficiency, and inspired fellow farmers in Abbotsford, Alberta, and Ontario to explore saffron cultivation and innovation.
While navigating the challenges of crop insurance for his prized saffron, Dhillon voices his concerns, emphasizing the importance of securing insurance coverage for agricultural stability. The Ministry of Agriculture acknowledges the absence of crop insurance for emerging crops like saffron but hints at potential coverage based on the crop’s viability and market data.
Dhillon’s family actively participates in the hand-picking of saffron threads, underscoring the value of their laborious efforts as each gram of saffron fetches $50. To streamline the harvesting process, Dhillon has enlisted additional staff and collaborated with a designer to develop specialized equipment for planting and harvesting saffron bulbs.
Innovations in saffron cultivation extend beyond Dhillon’s farm, as Charanjit Singh’s farm hosts scientists experimenting with growing saffron plants in controlled lab conditions. Through tissue culture technology, these researchers aim to propagate disease-free saffron bulbs locally, reducing reliance on imports.
Outside the Fraser Valley, in Calgary, entrepreneur Vikash Sangwan introduces the Saffron Box prototype, leveraging AI technology to facilitate indoor saffron cultivation. Sangwan envisions widespread adoption of his innovation to empower Canadians to produce saffron and position the country as a prominent saffron supplier.
The evolving landscape of saffron cultivation illustrates a growing interest among Canadians in exploring alternative crops, according to Lenore Newman, director of the food and agriculture institute at the University of the Fraser Valley. This diversification not only maximizes agricultural potential but also contributes to Canada’s economic growth and food sovereignty.
As the day draws to a close in Abbotsford, Avtar Dhillon’s family continues their diligent work, anticipating the upcoming harvest of saffron, the “red gold,” symbolizing their unwavering dedication to this valuable spice.