Kunduz farmers’ interest in saffron cultivation grows

KUNDUZ CITY (Pajhwok): In recent years, farmers’ interest in the cultivation of saffron — seen as a good alternative to poppy — has grown in northern Kunduz province, officials say.

Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation Director Salahuddin Wahidi told Pajhwok Afghan News, the cultivation of saffron was considered an important herb in the province and it was cultivated in some parts of Kunduz.

According to Wahidi, farmers expect 90 kilograms of saffron from 28,000 hectares of land cultivated with this herb.

“Climatic and soil conditions in Kunduz are fit for saffron cultivation and farmers are also interested in growing the plant in Chahar Dara, Imam Sahib, Dashti Archi, and Aaliabad districts and around Kunduz City.”

He added: “Officials are trying to make saffron processing and packing possible outside of Herat and Balkh provinces.”

Kunduz Saffron Union officials are satisfied with the yield. However, they call the lack of market a problem for them.

Director of Saffron Farmers Union Juma Gull Khan Hakimi said: “Growers are interested in the cultivation of the heb, but there is no market for their produce. They want a market for their crop.”

Habibullah is one of the farmers growing saffron. He expressed pleasure over the production level, but views the lack of market as a challenge.

Saffron is currently grown around Kunduz City, Imam Sahib, Aliabad, Khanabad, Dashti Archi and Chahar Dara districts of the province. Farmers are satisfied with the yield.

aw/mud

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