As the sun casts a golden hue over Avtar Dhillon’s farm in Abbotsford, British Columbia, vibrant purple flowers are in full bloom, each harboring precious crimson saffron threads. Dhillon, with a vision to bring something unique to Abbotsford, embarked on cultivating saffron on a larger scale in British Columbia, standing out as one of the few in the country. However, his initial success was marred by the devastating B.C. floods in November, submerging nearly 250,000 saffron bulbs under muddy waters. Despite this setback, Dhillon remained resolute in his goal to establish Abbotsford as the saffron capital of British Columbia.
Fast forward four years, Dhillon’s dream is thriving once more. Expanding his saffron farm, innovating harvesting techniques, and inspiring fellow farmers in Abbotsford, Alberta, and Ontario to delve into saffron cultivation, Dhillon is optimistic about the future. With over 500,000 saffron bulbs blooming across his 1.5-acre crop, Dhillon expresses his excitement. Yet, a significant challenge persists – securing insurance for his prized crop, a crucial aspect he hopes to resolve soon for himself and fellow growers.
Facing resistance from the provincial government regarding crop insurance for emerging crops like saffron, Dhillon finds solace in programs such as AgriStability, offering protection against income fluctuations due to weather and market conditions. Meanwhile, efforts to cultivate saffron locally gain momentum, exemplified by Charanjit Singh’s collaboration with Canadian Invitro Technologies to propagate saffron plants through tissue culture, aiming to establish a sustainable source of saffron bulbs free from diseases and pests.
Beyond the Fraser Valley, Vikash Sangwan of Calgary is revolutionizing saffron cultivation with his innovative “Saffron Box,” utilizing AI technology to create optimal indoor growing conditions for saffron bulbs. As Sangwan envisions a future where Canada becomes a major saffron supplier, Lenore Newman from the University of the Fraser Valley highlights the significance of diversifying agriculture through alternative crops like saffron to bolster Canada’s economy and food sovereignty.
In the picturesque setting of Sumas Prairie, as Dhillon’s family diligently harvests the red gold of saffron, the legacy of determination and innovation continues, ushering in a new era of saffron cultivation in Canada.