Intl prices of Indian saffron sky high

As Afghanistan’s saffron exports were hit after the Taliban took over, the prices of Indian saffron skyrocketed in the international market from Rs 1.4 lakh per kg a few months ago to Rs 2.25 lakh per kg. In India, 12 metric tonnes of saffron is grown in four districts in Jammu and Kashmir– Pulwama, Budgam, Srinagar and Kishtwar. The world’s most expensive spice is used in food, perfume, dyes, and for medicinal purposes.

“Saffron producers (in India) are flooded with enquiries from the US, Belgium, New Zealand, Canada and the Gulf nations,” Mohammad Qasim Ghani, Joint Director, Agriculture Extension, Kashmir stated. “Iranian saffron prices, too, have become expensive by Rs 30,000 per kg in the Indian market since the supply side from Afghanistan dried up,” commented Nisar Ahmad Dar, cofounder of Pampore-based Al Ansar Saffron & Dry Fruits. Meanwhile Vijay Kumar Bhuta, president of the Bombay Dry Fruits and Date Merchants Association hopes that India’s trade with Afghanistan will normalise soon.