LAHORE: The Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company (PHDEC) organised a webinar titled “Saffron Cultivation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa & Balochistan: A High-Value Crop for Mountainous Regions” to promote commercial and export-focused saffron cultivation in the country’s mountainous regions.
The aim of the webinar was to highlight saffron’s economic potential and encourage coordinated efforts for developing a sustainable production and supply chain system in KP and Balochistan.
Saffron, often referred to as “red gold,” presents a valuable opportunity for income enhancement of mountain farmers, import substitution, and export diversification. With institutional coordination, improved seed availability, and development of processing infrastructure, saffron cultivation in KP and Balochistan has the potential to emerge as a premium export-oriented sector.
Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) possess dry-temperate climates, cool winters, warm dry summers, and well-drained soils that are highly suitable for saffron cultivation. Research studies and pilot trials have identified multiple potential areas across both provinces, positioning saffron as a promising high-value crop for diversification and export enhancement.
Dr Iftikhar Ahmad, District Director Lower Swat, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the importance of saffron, global and domestic production trends, and the potential of saffron cultivation in KP. He also highlighted key challenges, including high initial investment costs and value chain constraints that hinder large-scale commercialization.
Dr Jahangir Khan, Principal Scientific Officer at PARC-BARDC, Quetta, shared findings on saffron yield analysis and trial production conducted at BARDC. He underscored issues such as the lack of drying facilities in Balochistan and limited seed (corm) availability for commercial-scale production.
The CEO-PHDEC shared insights on the recent surge in saffron production compared to previous years. He emphasized the need to strengthen the saffron supply chain in KP and Balochistan and directed the PHDEC team to organize a dedicated session with Balochistan saffron stakeholders.
Dr Azeem Khan assured participants that PHDEC would plan a focused session on seed multiplication, inviting all relevant departments and stakeholders to address the issue of quality planting material availability.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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