Saffron exporting companies in Herat state that despite increased yield this year, challenges such as restrictions on money transfers and the lack of operational air corridors remain significant obstacles to exports.
According to the officials of these companies, banking issues caused by sanctions and restrictions have made the process of exporting saffron to various countries difficult.
Exporters have urged the caretaker government to take necessary measures to facilitate saffron exports.
“The air corridor has not yet been reopened in a way that allows us to export our saffron to countries around the world,” said Jalil Ahmad Karimi, the head of a saffron exporting company.
“Seventy percent of the companies exporting saffron face these problems. Two or three companies have resolved the issues, but others are still struggling with them,” said Najibullah Rehmati, a saffron exporter.
Officials of the Afghanistan Saffron Association also point out that the lack of registration of exporting companies with customs authorities in destination countries due to sanctions is a serious challenge.
“We have always raised the issues of our companies with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. These issues are mostly financial; when saffron is sold, they cannot transfer the money properly due to banking restrictions,” said Mohammad Ibrahim Adel, head of the Afghan Saffron Association.
Meanwhile, local officials in Herat report that saffron production in the province has reached about 40 tons this year, marking a 30% increase compared to last year.
The Herat Chamber of Commerce and Investment also stated that they have facilitated export and financial services for exporting companies.
Younes Qazizada, head of the Herat Chamber of Commerce and Investment, said: “In terms of facilitating financial transfers, private and government banks have created certain conditions in cooperation with the chamber.
Currently, there are no problems regarding exports and liquidity,” said Mohammad Younus Qazizada, Chamber of Commerce and Investment. According to the Afghanistan Saffron Association, out of the total 30 tons of saffron produced in the country last year, 29 tons and 580 kilograms were exported.
This amount of saffron, valued at nearly 40 million dollars, was exported to the United States, Europe, China, India, Saudi Arabia, and Oman.