The Kandahar Chamber of Commerce and Investment says efforts are underway to increase saffron exports from Kandahar to international markets.
Although saffron from Kandahar has mostly been exported through Herat, officials say that direct exports from Kandahar have also begun over the past two years.
Officials added that Kandahar’s saffron is considered among the high-quality saffron varieties in the world, and if greater efforts are made to promote its cultivation, exports could increase several times beyond the current level.
According to the chamber, 66 kilograms of saffron were exported from Kandahar last year, while 44 kilograms have been exported so far this year.
Authorities hope that in the coming years Kandahar’s saffron exports will expand to more countries, helping local farmers become economically self-sufficient.
The Deputy Head of the Kandahar Chamber of Commerce and Investment, Abdul Baqi Bina, said:
“Fortunately, saffron cultivation in Kandahar province has improved significantly compared to previous years. Since production here is still limited, many traders complete their supplies in Herat and export it from there. Nevertheless, last year the total exports from Kandahar were around 60 kilograms, while this year so far about 44.14 kilograms worth approximately $55,000 have been exported.”
Saffron traders in Kandahar say the province’s saffron is currently exported to countries including the United States, Canada, and India, among others. They added that if processing and cultivation standards improve, both production and exports could increase further.
One saffron trader, Masood Shah Ahmadi, said:
“Among Afghan saffron, those from Herat and Kandahar are the most famous. In 2014, Kandahar’s saffron was even better in quality than Herat’s. Unfortunately, many farmers here lack proper training in cultivation, which creates challenges.”
Another trader, Kabir Ahmad Nabi Zada, said:
“We mostly use saffron in Afghanistan for tea, but abroad it is used in many sectors, including medicine. Saffron has many benefits. Its types include Pushal, Negin, Super Negin, and Royal, and prices vary depending on quality.”
