Latest News
Saffron cultivation yields positive results in Kandahar
Cultivation of saffron as an alternative to opium has yielded positive results in Afghanistan’s southern Kandahar province, as officials say every acre of land has produced nearly one kilogram of the precious spice.
In an experiment, around 130 acres of land in five districts of Kandahar, including Khakrez, Maiwand, Zherai, Panjwayee and Daman, were cultivated with saffron this year.
Officials say saffron cultivation has yielded good results.
“With the help of the Dutch Committee, we distributed saffron to 100 farmers in different districts for cultivation in 100 acres of land. Saffron has good yield as nearly one kilogram of saffron is harvested from one acre,” said Shams-ur-Rahman Musa, head of agriculture department of directorate of agriculture and livestock in Kandahar.
Farmers also say that they have harvested good amount of saffron, but they are concerned about lack of a good market for their products.
“We cultivated saffron instead of poppy, and it has yielded positive result. But there is no market and we can’t sell,” said Mohammad Ismael, a farmer in Kandahar.
Local officials said they are seeking to find market for saffron.
“We are in talks with other institutions. We are seeking to find market for saffron and for its better processing in order to improve the farmers’ economic condition in the future,” said Abdul Ghafoor, head of plant department of provincial directorate of agriculture and livestock.
According to the data of the directorate, around 80,000 hectares used to be cultivated with poppy in the past, but after the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), farmers have now turned to saffron.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has announced that it will continue providing its essential health services to the people of Afghanistan.
In a post on X, the organization, referring to Afghanistan’s health needs, said that over the past year it has been active in various health sectors across the country, ranging from maternal and child care to emergency response, as well as the treatment of patients suffering from tuberculosis and severe injuries.
According to MSF, its teams over the past year have been present at a range of health facilities, including neonatal intensive care units, operating theatres, surgical centers, and specialized tuberculosis treatment wards, where they have delivered life-saving services to patients.
The organization stressed that it will continue ensuring the provision of health services, particularly for needy families and vulnerable communities in remote areas of Afghanistan.
The Embassy of Afghanistan in Japan, currently run by diplomats of the previous government, has announced that it will suspend its operations in Tokyo after the end of January 2026.
In a statement issued on Friday, the embassy said the decision was made after consultations with Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in close coordination with Japanese authorities, and in accordance with the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
The embassy added that after January 31, all of its political, economic, cultural, and consular activities will be halted until further notice.
Currently, Shaida Abdali is serving as Afghanistan’s ambassador to Japan.
Sadin Ayyıldız, Chargé d’Affaires of the Turkish Embassy in Kabul, held a courtesy meeting with Zakir Jalali, the Second Political Deputy of Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the occasion of the start of his mission.
The Turkish Embassy in Kabul said in a post that the meeting included mutual exchanges of views on bilateral relations.
Russia almost doubles LPG exports to Central Asia, Afghanistan this year
MSF says it continues providing health services to Afghans
UAE President arrives in Pakistan on first official visit
Afghanistan’s Embassy in Tokyo to suspend operations
Turkish Chargé d’Affaires in Kabul meets Zakir Jalali, discusses bilateral ties
Afghanistan exports 10 containers of batteries to Saudi Arabia and UAE for first time
Pakistani cleric condemns lifetime immunity for Army Chief as un-Islamic
Gaza death toll tops 70,000, health ministry says
Islamic Emirate declines to attend Tehran meeting on Afghanistan
Afghanistan signs 30-year deal for marble mining in Daikundi
Saar: Discussion on critiquing Trump’s immigration policy
Tahawol: Scholars slam Pakistan’s attacks on Afghanistan
Saar: Discussion over the fate of Ukraine’s war
Tahawol: Return of 6.8 million Afghan refugees to IEA rule
Saar: Pakistan army chief’s allegations against Afghanistan
-
Latest News3 days agoAfghanistan exports 10 containers of batteries to Saudi Arabia and UAE for first time
-
Latest News3 days agoPakistani cleric condemns lifetime immunity for Army Chief as un-Islamic
-
Latest News2 days agoOmari and Iranian ambassador meet to strengthen Afghan migrant labor ties
-
Latest News2 days agoPakistan’s actions target militants, not religious sites: Khawaja Asif
-
Business1 day agoSharp drop in exports to Afghanistan drives Pakistan’s trade deficit surge
-
International Sports3 days agoAriana News to broadcast key AFC Champions League Two clash
-
Regional4 days agoPakistan agrees to $4 billion arms deal with Libyan National Army
-
Health3 days agoAfghan Health Minister hails India visit as new chapter in bilateral ties