Officials of the Agricultural and Livestock department in Balkh reported that the saffron yield has increased in the province. 

According to officials last year, the production was 150 kg and this year it reached 250 kilograms. 

“Compared with last year we have had a 100 kg increase in saffron production,” said Shamsuddin Khalid, head of the Agriculture and Livestock department in Balkh. 

Meanwhile, some saffron farmers in Balkh said that the weather in this province is suitable to grow saffron, and saffron production has increased, and this increase makes the processors and farmers of the saffron happy. 

“The growth of the saffron provides a good income and also provides work for our people,” said Sayed Zainullah, a saffron processor.  

“We ask the government to cooperate in the saffron section in Balkh so we can compete with Herat province,” said Asadullah, a saffron processor. 

“Cultivation of saffron in Balkh has yielded good results,” said Munir Shah, CEO of the Balkh Saffron Processors Union. 

Saffron has provided work not only for processors and farmers but also provides work for women. 

“We asked those who are at the top to provide work for women,” said Malali, a worker. 

“In a family, if both the men and the women have jobs their lives will be good,” said Rashida, a worker. 

Currently saffron is cultivated in six districts of Balkh province and according to numbers from last year, 80 hectares of land in Balkh province were cultivated with saffron, but this year, more than 120 hectares of land have been cultivated with saffron in the province.