The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment has reported that over the past nine months, Afghanistan exported more than $30 million worth of saffron to international markets. The total volume of exports reached 22 tons and 130 kilograms, with an estimated value of $30,035,000.
Herat province produces nearly 95% of the country’s saffron. Mohammad Yousuf Amin, Executive Director of the Herat Chamber of Commerce and Investment, told
Khate-Nakhost that Europe, the United States, Arab countries, as well as East and South Asia are the primary destinations for Afghan saffron. He added that the high quality of Afghanistan’s saffron has created strong demand among buyers worldwide. According to Amin, there are no obstacles to saffron exports, and producers can easily ship the product to various countries.
10th Herat Saffron Flower Festival
On November 22, 2025, the 10th annual “Saffron Flower” Festival was held in Herat. The three-day event took place at the Herat International Saffron Trade Center, which was established a year ago with an investment of $4 million.
A total of 82 saffron production and processing companies from 28 provinces participated in the festival, showcasing parts of their production to visitors.
Mohammad Ibrahim Adel, President of the Afghanistan Saffron Union, told Khate-Nakhost that approximately 12,000 hectares of land in Afghanistan are currently under saffron cultivation, 10,000 of which are in Herat province. He emphasized that significant investments have been made in saffron cultivation and processing, providing favorable conditions for exports.
Climate Change Impacts on Afghan Saffron
Saffron harvesting traditionally begins in November with the onset of colder weather, which generally accelerates flowering. However, this year, warmer temperatures and climate change have reduced overall yields.
The Saffron Union President stated that approximately 40 tons of saffron are expected to be harvested this year, falling short of the anticipated 70 tons. He explained that around 30 tons of expected saffron were lost due to drought and climate changes affecting farmers’ production.
The Union noted that efforts are underway to teach farmers modern saffron cultivation techniques to combat climate change and prevent further production losses. Adel said, “We aim to introduce new programs to help farmers achieve higher yields and operate more effectively under drought conditions.”
Despite reduced production, saffron prices in Herat markets have risen compared to last year.
Maliha Shams, CEO of Shams Saffron and the first female head of a saffron company in Afghanistan, said: “This year, yields are lower, but prices have increased.” Last year, the price per kilogram reached 80,000 Afghanis (approximately $1,200), while this year it has risen to 120,000 Afghanis (around $1,800). She added that saffron has been cultivated in the Ghorian and Pashtun Zarghun districts, but production is lower than last year, attributing the decline to climate change.
Afghanistan Ministry of Agriculture Initiatives
The Ministry of Agriculture has announced programs to address climate change and create favorable conditions for saffron farmers.
Shir Mohammad Hatami, spokesperson for the Ministry, who attended the 10th Saffron Flower Festival in Herat, stated that the ministry is developing initiatives to ensure saffron farmers can maintain high yields even under drought and changing climate conditions.
According to the Afghanistan Saffron Union, around 40,000 people are involved in saffron cultivation, harvesting, and processing across the country.
