Saffron harvest 30pc up, reaches 1.5MT in Balkh

MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): Cultivated on 300 hectares of land, saffron yield has reached 1.5 metric tonnes in northern Balkh province this year, an official said on Thursday.

Head of saffron producers and processors association Zainullah Osmani told Pajhwo Afghan News this year, saffron was cultivated on 300 hectares of land in different districts, which produced 1.5 metric tonnes.

He said this year’s saffron harvest surged 30 percent due to favorable weather and increased awareness among farmers.

This year, 300 farmers were assisted in different aspects of saffron production and 50 other farmers were sent to western Herat for research and training with support of the government and some institutions, he added.

According to him, the land and climate of Balkh are suitable for growing saffron and if farmers are supported, the harvest will increase in the future.

Farmers are happy with this year’s saffron harvest, but they ask more support in the field of cultivation and production.

Abdul Qayoom, a farmer, told Pajhwok this year’s saffron yield was better compared to last year’s, but if they were supported, the harvest could further increase.

Mohammad Basir, another farmer, explained some farmers faced economic problems and the government should support them.

In addition to Balkh, Faryab province in the northern zone is also suitable for saffron cultivation, officials say.

hz/ma