Kashmiri villagers picking saffron flowers in a field in Pampore, about 25km south of Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian Kashmir. Pampore is famous for its high-quality saffron, which is used as a seasoning and colouring agent in food. A kilogram of saffron can cost anything from S$1,270 to over S$14,000, depending on the grade and other factors. Kashmir is the only place in India, and one of the few places in the world, where the world's most expensive spice grows.