Afghanistan: Supporting Saffron Production in Afghanistan

Nov 2, 2020 | Antoinette Fang, Borgen Magazine
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SEATTLE, Washington — Saffron is one of the most prized spices in the world, termed by some as “red gold.” It is one of the most lucrative crops in the world, with one kilogram selling for anywhere from $1,200 to $4,000. Traditionally, India and Iran have dominated the saffron market. However, Afghanistan is slowly rising as one of the main producers of this spice. As of 2015, 26 out of the 34 provinces in Afghanistan produce saffron. The country has carved out its place in the saffron industry, occupying 6.3% of the market. Saffron production in Afghanistan could become a path to economic strength both for the nation as a whole and for individual farmers. Saffron could produce up to tens of millions of dollars of income per year for the country, and the head of the National Union of Saffron Growers of Afghanistan, Bashir Ahmad Rashidi, told the World Bank that the crop has the potential to save the country’s people from poverty.