Saffron corms yet to be distributed to Kunduz growers

KUNDUZ CITY (Pajhwok): Due to recent disruptive activities in northern Kunduz province, saffron corms have not been distributed to farmers this year.

Extension Manger of Kunduz Agriculture DepartmentAbdul baser Faqiri said they planned to distribute nearly 4,000 tonnes of saffron corms to more than 40 growers, but the process was yet to begin as the season is going out.

They wished to distribute the corms in Chardara, Khanabad, Aliabad, Qala Zal, Imam Sahib and Dasht-i-Archi districts, but due to the security problems, the farmers there could not get the corms, he added.

A saffron grower in Aliabad district, Ghulam Haidar, said his half an acre of land produced 300 grams of saffron spice in the first year, but he suffered losses as the government did not distribute corms this year.

According to Faqiri, they have established an association of saffron growers in Kunduz to forge close coordination with the farmers’ association in Herat province.

myn/mud