Main Article Content
Abstract (in English)
Agriculture is considered a fundamental pillar of the national economy in Afghanistan and a major source of income for the country. In recent years, the production of medicinal plants—particularly saffron cultivation—has received growing attention due to its high economic value, export potential, and positive impact on improving farmers’ livelihoods. Although saffron is cultivated in several provinces of Afghanistan, the majority of production originates from the western region, especially Herat province. This study employs a narrative review of existing literature obtained from reputable scientific sources, including Research Gate, Google Scholar, and Scopus, to analyze the current status of saffron production in Afghanistan, its economic significance, and the opportunities and challenges associated with its value chain. The findings of this study indicate that saffron is a strategic agricultural crop in Afghanistan—particularly in Herat province—due to its high economic value, low water requirements, and favorable agro-climatic conditions. The reviewed studies highlight the strong potential of saffron cultivation to increase farmers’ incomes and generate employment opportunities. However, its expansion is constrained by financial limitations, technical requirements, and institutional weaknesses. Furthermore, strengthening the saffron value chain—particularly in processing, standardized packaging, and marketing—is considered vital for enhancing the international competitiveness and export capacity of Afghan saffron.