Kashmiri villagers collect saffron flowers from a field in Pampore, some 25km south of Srinagar, the summer capital of the state yesterday. Pampore is famous worldwide for its high quality saffron. Kashmir is the only place in India, and one of the few places in the world where saffron, the world’s most expensive spice grows. Residents of Pampore say there is a certain magical element in the soil of Pampore which helps the flowers to bloom and the stigmas to be imbued with aroma.