INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Ghulam Mohammad Kazim Shahamat, spokesman for the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock, says saffron growing and production is
on the rise in Afghanistan, with output reaching 40 metric tons in 2015 and efforts to further expand the sector ongoing.According to
Shahamat, efficient steps have been taken to promote the cultivation and production of saffron in the country.He stressed that saffron is
among Afghanistan’& rsquo; s key export commodities, and for that reason, practical and technical assistance to farmers continues.“&
ldquo; According to the Ministry of Agriculture’& rsquo; s stats, in the year 1403 [solar year], the total area under saffron cultivation
in 30 provinces of the nation reached 9,500 hectares
From these fields, roughly 40 metric tons of saffron were collected in total, with Herat province blazing a trail, producing 90 percent of
the country’& rsquo; s amount to saffron yield,” & rdquo; he added.According to data from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce,
Afghanistan exported saffron worth $39 million in 2015
Nevertheless, this figure represents an 8 percent decline compared to the previous year.Meanwhile, some professionals have actually said
that the growth of saffron growing not just produces job opportunities for individuals but also enhances the national economy.Meanwhile,
market stakeholders are contacting the Islamic Emirate to make greater efforts in marketing Afghan saffron.Some economic experts think that
before concentrating on the growing and production of farming items, the federal government must prioritize marketing techniques so that
items can rapidly reach markets after harvest and farmers do not incur losses.Afghan saffron is exported to nations such as India, Spain,
Saudi Arabia, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, France, Australia, Turkey, and several others
However, financial restrictions and the absence of direct trade relations with the world have likewise negatively impacted this sector.The
post Afghanistan gathered 40 metric lots of saffron in 2015: Agriculture ministry first appeared on TINS News Afghanistan News.
