In addition to pomegranates, saffron is another viable alternative to opium for Afghan farmers. Saffron cultivation has been a part of Afghan culture for more than 80 years, but lack of experience and equipment for processing and packaging for export has prevented the country from making it a primary cash crop.
Growing saffron in exchange of poppies is supported by international groups and the local government. For instance Italian aid group has donated 60 tons of crocus bulbs and is engaging in training Afghans how to grow and harvest the plants. Saffron is a much more profitable crop than poppies, with one kilogram of the spice fetching about 350,000 yen on the world market. An average farmer could produce around three kilograms of spice per single hectare of land they grow the flowers.
One drawback is that growing saffron is land and labor intensive, requiring about 150,000 flowers to make one kilo of spice. Though, once planted the crocus bulbs will continue to sprout and grow for six years, cutting the labor required in subsequent years. Until recently, Afghan farmers wishing to sell their crop abroad relied on Iranian processing and packaging companies. Now, small businesses are beginning to emerge, increasing the incomes of farmers as well as employing many women to work in the processing stage.
While obtaining saffron bulbs and building up their production to meet international standards is a long and difficult road to travel, the effort by farmers and citizens of areas such as Herat will surely be seen in the in the stability and increase in living standard for Afghanistan.
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