Paktia’s environment well suits saffron cultivation

GARDEZ (Pajhwok): Agriculture officials say like other crops the yield of saffron plant was also satisfactory in southeastern Paktia province this year.

Over the past three years, saffron is cultivated in Zurmat district and agriculture officials say they intend to extend the lucrative crop to other districts.

Paktia agriculture director Mohammad Din Momand says they have started the process of distributing 5000 kilograms of saffron seed among farmers in Gardez, the provincial capital, and six districts.

He said 10 pilot saffron projects were being conducted in Gardez, Zurmat, Syed Karam, Mirzaki, Ladha wa Mangal, Janikhel and Zazi Aryub districts, which would result into increased production of the crop.

The official said Paktia’s environment well suited cultivation of saffron and they were happy about it.

A farmer in Zurmat district, Mohammad Wali, said saffron crop had bumper yield this year and now farmers wanted to bring more area under its cultivation. “Saffron can replace poppy and benefit the country’s economy.”

Abdul Hakeem, a resident of Zazi Aryub district, said people would get familiar with cultivation of saffron crop with the passage of time and it would create jobs for many.

“We know saffron is a lucrative crop and the environment of Paktia suits it. With time we will learn more and extend the crop cultivation.”

Deputy governor Zuhra Ahmadi insisted on giving women more participation in cultivation and harvest of saffron crop. She said deserving women should be identified  and assisted in this regard.

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