TİKA Supports Saffron Production in Afghanistan

Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), in collaboration with the Afghanistan National Saffron Union, provided equipment and material support to farmers in western Afghanistan. This region is home to over 50,000 saffron farmers, the majority of whom are women, producing some of the world’s highest-quality saffron.

TİKA supplied 4,500 small and large baskets for harvesting and transporting saffron, 10 tables,  chairs for separating saffron stigmas from flowers, 20 drying machines, 4 bagging and packaging machines, and a saffron storage tank.

The delivery ceremony for the materials was attended by Sinan İlhan, Turkish Consul General in Herat; Arafat Deniz, TİKA’s Coordinator in Herat; İbrahim Adil, President of the Afghanistan Saffron Union; Necibullah Rahmeti, Deputy President of the Herat Chamber of Agriculture; and farmers from various districts and villages.

Speaking at the event, Consul General İlhan highlighted the heightened appreciation for farmers during the pandemic and emphasized that agriculture will continue to play a vital role in the future. He also underscored the significance of the support provided for saffron production.

TİKA’s Coordinator in Herat, Arafat Deniz emphasized that agriculture is Afghanistan’s primary source of income. He noted that previous efforts, such as distributing saffron bulbs, helped expand the cultivation of this valuable crop. Now, the provision of equipment and machinery aims to enable farmers to work more efficiently.

Afghanistan National Saffron Union President İbrahim Adil highlighted the existence of 38 unions across the country and expressed gratitude to Türkiye and TİKA for their support of this significant project, which seeks to increase saffron production.

This initiative, which will initially benefit 1,000 farmers in Herat, aims to enhance economic returns and agricultural income by enabling the local processing and packaging of saffron in rural areas.