Production of the prized crimson spice in the region has withered more than 80 per cent in the past almost three decades, with the blame falling on insufficient rainfall and urbanisation. PAMPORE: Farmer Irshad Ahmad Dar is worried about the future of his “red gold” crops in the town of Pampore, the heart of India’s saffron sector. He makes his livelihood growing and selling saffron – the world’s most expensive spice – but crop yield in the Jammu and Kashmir region is facing a steep decline.