MINGORA: In the fertile lands of Swat, a new agricultural dawn has begun to rise — one tinted with the delicate hues and fragrance of saffron flowers. Once known primarily for its orchards and terraces of rice and maize, Swat is now embracing a golden opportunity: the successful cultivation of saffron, the world’s most precious spice.Under the District Agriculture Extension Programme, saffron has been cultivated on 114 kanals of land as part of a pilot project. As the cold November breeze sweeps across the valley, the purple blossoms of saffron have begun to bloom, painting the fields with beauty and promise. Early results are highly encouraging, and agricultural experts see the initiative as a game-changer for local farmers.“We have cultivated saffron over 114 kanals, and thankfully, the experiment has been a success,” said Dr Iftikhar, District Director of Agriculture Extension.
“The soil and climate have proven ideal, and the farmers are extremely satisfied with the results.”Farmers participating in the project share the same optimism. They believe saffron offers far greater profit margins compared to traditional crops. With its high market value and growing demand both nationally and internationally, saffron could soon become a signature product of the Swat region.“I encourage other farmers to grow saffron,” said one farmer enthusiastically. “It’s a beautiful crop with excellent returns. The yield is good, and the price is rewarding.”
Experts suggest that with continued government support and expansion of the program, Swat and the Malakand Division could emerge as Pakistan’s leading saffron-producing regions where the fragrance of saffron would enrich not only the air but also the local economy.
