Tehran, Iran, Oct.13
Trend:
Saffron harvest season has begun and production is estimated to reach 350 tons this year, the deputy head of Iran National Saffron Council told Trend.
“Though land under saffron cultivation increased by 10-15% this year, production is predicted to experience a decline in some regions due to drought,” Gholamreza Miri said.
“When we cannot export saffron to the United States, Saudi Arabia, India and China," Miri said, "a portion of the saffron will be distributed in these markets under the name of Afghanistan.”
Referring to smuggling of saffron to Afghanistan he said the smuggling of saffron is not a new issue.
“For a country that has a high status in the production of this strategic product and exports it to almost 47 countries, smuggling of saffron botany to Afghanistan or any other country is far from logic, which could lead to the loss of Iranian markets in the future. Of course, other consequences, such as the unemployment of farmers and the marginalization of agriculture, can happen in Iran,“ he said.
Citing Afghanistan's position in the global market he said, "Although Afghanistan has nearly 4 tons of saffron production, it has much better position in global markets and we are boosting its position as well. While we cannot export to the United States, Saudi Arabia, India and China, our saffron goes to Afghanistan, and from there, under the name of Afghanistan, it is exported to these markets.”