HERAT, Afghanistan — The ninth annual Saffron Flower Festival was held in Herat on Thursday, showcasing the province’s reputation as Afghanistan’s hub for saffron cultivation.
According to the press office of the Taliban’s governor in Herat, saffron is cultivated on 9,500 hectares of land, primarily in the districts of Ghoryan, Pashtun Zarghun, Guzara, and Karukh.
Herat saffron received international recognition as the world’s best saffron in 2024, awarded by the International Taste Institute.
However, many farmers in Herat have voiced concerns over this year’s harvest, citing challenges such as water shortages and a lack of chemical fertilizers. “We didn’t achieve good results from our crops this year,” one farmer said, urging aid organizations to address their difficulties.
Farmers also complained about the lack of cold storage facilities and proper markets for their produce. Without adequate infrastructure, they are often forced to sell their saffron at low prices, cutting deeply into their potential earnings.
“Because there’s no market for our saffron, we have no choice but to sell it at a fraction of its value,” said a local farmer, echoing the frustrations of many others in the region.
