Growers happy as saffron yield rises by 30pc

KABUL (Pajhwok): Saffron production in central Daikundi province increased by 30 percent this year, with per acre yield standing at 1.5 kilogram.

Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock Director Abdul Wahid Ferozi told Pajhwok Afghan News the total yield of saffron was 150 kilograms in 2020, up from 90 kilograms last year.

He attributed the hike in saffron production to support to growers like training, distribution of quality seeds and appropriate weather in the province.

According to Ferozi, the growers were able to receive 1.5 kilograms of the golden crop from each acre of land.

“We have established a saffron producers’ association in the province to serve as a bridge between farmers and the market. We have exported 50 percent of the crop while the remainder was sold in the province,” he added.

“One kilogram of Daikundi’s saffron is sold for 200,000 afghanis in foreign markets,” the director said, voicing satisfaction with prices.

Ghulam Haidar Ahmadi, a saffron grower, said: “Previously, we would cultivate poppies. But some years back, we switched to saffron cultivation. I collected a yield of two kilograms this year.”

Baqir Rezaee, another farmer, he had limited farmland and could not grow other crops. He was happy with saffron cultivation, saying he had harvested 1.5 kilograms of the golden crop.

sa/mud