Saffron growers in Herat satisfied with yield, price

HERAT (Pajhwok): As saffron harvesting season is approaching in western Herat province, officials say the precious herb’s yield will increase this season.

In an interview with Pajhwok Afghan News, Sayed Ahamd, a farmer expressed his satisfaction with the rate and yield of saffron. He said right now the price of one kilogram of saffron hovered between 85,000 and 90,000 afghanis in the market, about 20 percent lower than its last year’s price.

He asked the government to pave the way for export of the product to foreign countries and provide farmers with more facilities.

He further explained that farmers paid 300 afghanis daily wages to each of his 20 labours in his saffron fields.

Aminullah, another farmer, who has been cultivating saffron since last 15 years, said timely time rains had a positive impact on the production of saffron this year.

He has cultivated saffron on his three acres of land called this herb as the best alternative to poppy and expected more support from the government and other relevant institutions.

Meanwhile, head of Chamber and Agriculture Basher Ahmad Bahaduri emphasized on organizing exhibitions both at domestic and international levels.

Local agriculture, livestock and irrigation department officials say saffron cultivation has generated employment for over 40,000 families in Herat.

Head of Agriculture Department Maulvi Peer Mohammad Halimi said that saffron was cultivated on 20 percent land compared to last year which could increase the production of saffron by 40 percent.

He further emphasized on increased efforts by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) to support growers. However, saffron growers expressed happiness about efforts made by the government.

According to the Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation department, right now saffron is grown on over 9,500 hectares of land in Herat and 100 other companies are processing this product and about 40,000 families run their lives with income from saffron.

aw/ma