These days saffron market in Afghanistan have been witnessing a great shock since the production rate has decremented. This has been due to drought and lack of water.
It has also led to unemployment as many people who were working in production and harvesting of Saffron previously have lost their jobs due to downfall in production of Saffron.
Additionally, the harvesting of saffron has decremented up to 60-70% in these recent years due to drought. One of saffron business owner has claimed that last year he has harvested 450kg of saffron but this year it has been almost 100kg. And he has told that this year has been a complete loss to their business.
Many people who have invested in this industry have come to regret their decision.
Saffron, on the other hand, has doubled in price per kg since last year, with a kg of saffron fetching between 80,000 and 85, 000 Afghani at the Herat market. This is a huge advantage for business owners.
Furthermore, many business owners have changed their target market since they began cultivating poppy in place of saffron. Since it is more advantageous, and the new Taliban regime do not oppose to its harvesting, compared to the former government.
Furthermore, since the Taliban took power, all fights have been banned, resulting in further losses in the saffron market.