FAIZABAD (SW): The directorate of agriculture, irrigation and livestock in Badakhshan has noted an evident surge in cultivation of saffron in the province.
Mohammad Aalim Aalimi, director for agriculture, irrigation and livestock in the province, has informed that special units have been established for saffron cultivation in 14 districts of the province. He informed the directorate was importing up to 40 tons of saffron seeds from Herat province, but now Badakhshan is self-sufficient in this regard.
A number of farmers shared their joy following impressive yield and subsequent surge in their income.
Abdullah and Safar, two such farmers, told Salam Watandar that the saffron produced in Badakhshan has good market across the country.
The directorate of agriculture, irrigation and livestock has in sight a number of training programs to further lift the production of saffron here. Mohammad Aalim Aalimi informed that the 50 special units for saffron cultivation in Badakhshan produce 30 kilograms of saffron on yearly basis, but efforts are underway to further increase it and make it a good alternate to poppy.
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