Afghanistan exports saffron worth $29.5 million in 9 months

Afghanistan exported over 42,200 kilograms of saffron, valued at $29.588 million, to various countries during the first nine months of the year, its Ministry of Industry and Commerce shared.

Akundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, spokesperson for the ministry, said that most Afghan saffron exports were made to India, Spain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, France, Australia, and Turkey.

Afghan saffron, recognized as one of the country’s most valuable agricultural products, enjoys global acclaim.

However, exporters of this product report challenges, including a lack of standardized markets, restrictions on money transfers, and inactive air corridors.

Qudratullah Rehmati, deputy head of the Afghanistan Saffron Union, called for immediate action by the Afghan government to address these issues, stating: "We urge the Islamic Emirate to take swift steps to resolve these challenges so that we can better and more quickly offer saffron to global markets."

Somaya Siddiqi, another saffron exporter, highlighted the challenges, saying: "Our main issues include banking problems, limited air flights, and visa challenges, especially for countries like India, which is one of Afghanistan's key saffron buyers."

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock has announced an increase in saffron production this year.

According to Misbahuddin Mustaeen, the ministry's spokesperson, approximately 40 metric tons of saffron were harvested from 9,500 hectares of land this year.

He added: "Saffron cultivation has expanded to 30 provinces, and this crop has been introduced as an alternative to poppy cultivation."

Saffron has been promoted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock as a replacement for poppy cultivation in Afghanistan. According to some experts, if Afghan saffron farmers are supported, the country can generate significant revenue from selling saffron in global markets