Afghanistan: As harvest jumps, Faryab saffron farmers seek the Government's support

(MENAFN- Pajhwok Afghan News) MAIMANA (Pajhwok): The Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock department in northern Faryab province reports an increase in saffron cultivation in the province. However, saffron farmers say they are facing challenges such as lack of proper market access for their products and the absence of government support. Abdullah, a farmer from Maimana city, told Pajhwok Afghan News that in addition to growing wheat, melon and watermelon, he had started cultivating saffron over the past few years. According to him, saffron is easier to grow compared to other crops and is more profitable. He added,“Saffron is planted once and it yields for five to six years. In the autumn, after harvesting crops like wheat, barley, corn, melon, and watermelon, the saffron flowers bloom. It requires less effort and offers more benefits than other crops, and the harvesting can be done by women and children.” Sohrab, who has been growing saffron in Faryab for 15 years, says saffron ...