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KABUL (SW) – On the directives of president, Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, the import of saffron got banned, an official statement announced on Sunday.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, the move is in line with the recommendation of the Ministry. It is aimed at protecting the local farmers as well as preserving the top quality of the Afghan saffron. The MAIL statement further stated the low-grade imported saffron was damaging the quality and image of the local high-quality saffron, and farmers demanded to impose the ban.
The MAIL requested the president to impose restriction on the import of such saffron that also tarnishes the image of the Afghan saffron in the international market. In its five-year plan, the MAIL has expressed resolve to improve the yield of saffron in the country.
According to official figures, annual production of saffron grew to 10.6 tons last year while area under cultivation improved from 1050 hectors to 5205 hectors. The Ministry has facilitated establishment of three standard laboratories, issuance of ISO certificates, research work and other endeavours for this purpose.
ENDS
