Herat’s department of agriculture and livestock says farmers in the province have planted saffron on more than 8,000 hectares of land this year, and they will probably harvest up to 30 tons. Marking the Saffron Flower Festival held Thursday in Herat where processing companies and saffron growers showcased their products in 40 booths, Pir Mohammad
Investors say the saffron prices hall fallen by 50% in local markets over the last year, affecting businessmen and farmers’ interest in growing and selling the plant.
Private Sector in Herat Protests Corrupt Customs
Private sector representatives in Herat have set up a tent to protest the widespread corruption at Herat Customs Department.
The protesters say that corruption in the Herat customs department has discouraged traders and caused the flow of investment out of the country, which will impact the private sector.
Sayed Masoud Sadat, deputy director of the oil and gas committee of the chamber of commerce and investment, said: “Some mafia groups in cooperation with customs officers advance corruption in the country that impacts our industries.”
“In addition to the 50% deduction in our incomes under corruption in customs offices, a lot of money has been collected from business people illegally,” said Romina Osmani, head of Herat’s women s chamber of commerce and investment.
Investors say the saffron prices hall fallen by 50% in local markets over the last year, affecting businessmen and farmers’ interest in growing and selling the plant.
Saffron producers in Herat province have voiced concerns over the practise of importing saffron from Iran, which they say lowers the price of the spice on local