Archaeologists excavating a newly identified sector near the Ghaggar-Hakra riverbed have uncovered a 4,500-year-old facility dedicated to the large-scale processing of saffron. The site features a series of specialized terracotta heat-treatment vats and fine-mesh sieves, suggesting a highly organized production line for this precious spice. This discovery provides the first physical evidence of saffron cultivation within the Indus Valley Civilization, indicating that the Harappans had mastered the delicate harvesting and drying techniques required for commercial-scale production.
Chemical analysis and pollen residues found within the vats confirm the presence of Crocus sativus. Researchers believe this facility served as a central hub for saffron extraction, which was likely traded across high-altitude routes to Mesopotamia. The find highlights the sophisticated agricultural diversity of the Harappan people and their ability to domesticate complex crops for the global luxury trade of the Bronze Age.