HERAT, APR 6: The Herat Directorate of Agriculture, Irrigation and livestock says that saffron cultivation in the province has increased this year, and farmers are fully satisfied with its production and income.
According to officials from the department, the high price of saffron and its growing export to other countries have boosted farmers’ interest in cultivating this crop.
Saffron, also known as “red gold,” attracts more and more farmers each year.
Bashir Ahmad Ahmadi, Head of Promotion at Herat’s Directorate of Agriculture, said: “This year, the saffron situation is very good. Compared to last year, we’ve seen a 15% increase in production. Our dear farmers have earned good income, and saffron cultivation in Herat is expanding day by day.”
According to statistics from the Directorate of Agriculture of Herat, the price of one kilogram of saffron in local markets has reached up to 100,000 Afghanis, which shows a significant increase compared to previous years.
Export companies also report a growing interest from global markets in Afghan saffron.
Abdul Khaliq Khudadadi, the head of one of the saffron processing companies, said: “Afghan saffron is exported to more than 20 countries, including the United States, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Spain, and India.”
During the saffron harvest season, thousands of women and girls work in picking flowers and separating the saffron threads. Additionally, hundreds of women and men are employed in saffron packaging and processing companies.
Amina Haidari, an employee at one such company, said: “15 people work permanently, and around 400 women are employed seasonally during the saffron harvest.”
Aaliya, an employee at a saffron processing company, added: “I’ve been working here for three years, and I’m very happy to be employed.”
The Herat Directorate of Agriculture states that nearly 10,000 hectares of land in the province have been allocated to saffron cultivation this year. Last year, more than 40 tons of saffron were harvested in the province, and the yield is expected to increase this year.
