The Government of Afghanistan announced the implementation of a five-year plan to support the cultivation of saffron with the aim to increase the production of Afghan saffron at least three times. According to the new plan, the production will increase from 3,7 to 14 tons per year. Last year, saffron grown in 22 of the 34 provinces of Afghanistan. According to a recently carried out study, Afghanistan could produce up to 70 tons of saffron per year. Afghan saffron is recognized as the best in the world; the climate of many areas of the country is ideal for the cultivation of this spice. Furthermore, crocus stamens which are collected to produce saffron, bloom in early spring and don't require irrigation during all the summer season.
