An overview of production and export trade performance of walnut in Afghanistan

Abstract

This study examines the trend in production and export of saffron in Afghanistan. The secondary data on area, production and export of saffron were obtained from Afghanistan statistical year book and Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock of Afghanistan. Results of analysis revealed that production of saffron in Afghanistan increased from 3,390.3 kg in 2014-15 to 6,081.2 kg in 2016-17 and Afghanistan contributed 1.36% of the world production of 250 tonnes in 2014. The area harvested has also increased from 811.8 hectare in 2014-15 to 2,587.7 hectare in 2016-17. The compound annual growth rate in area was 78.5% for the same period and the CAGR of production was 33.9%. Mostly saffron is produced in west of Afghanistan and 98% of Afghanistan saffron was produced in Herat in 2017. Afghanistan is the 6 th largest exporter of saffron in the world in 2016 with the contribution of 3.38% share of all exports. Afghanistan exported 2,402 kg in 2016-17 and India is the preferred export destination country accounting for 61.03% share by quantity followed by Saudi Arabia with about 21% share. The transition probability matrix of saffron exports from Afghanistan shows that United Arab Emirates is the stable destination while, India is somewhat stable by showing a moderate retention probability of its previous share. The cost and price analysis of saffron indicates that mostly the farmers earn a large amount of income from saffron production in Afghanistan, which is around 45,000 Afs (~ Rs 45,000) per kg, therefore, saffron is an alternative crop for poppy production which is prohibited by law in Afghanistan.