By SYED SHAHABUDDIN

SWAT: For the first time, the Agriculture Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has successfully cultivated the high-value crop saffron, marking a significant milestone in the province’s agricultural diversification. The initiative, launched across 21 districts, has already begun to show encouraging results.

The experiment has turned into a success story in Swat district. Saffron flowers have bloomed, and farmers have started harvesting the valuable crop.

Officials describe this as a promising step toward strengthening the province’s rural economy and improving farmers’ livelihoods.

According to the Agriculture Department, saffron cultivation covers 114 kanals in the Tehsils of Babuzai, Barikot, and Kabal, while 22 kanals have been cultivated in Matta, Bahrain, Charbagh, and Khwazakhela, making a total of 136 kanals across the district.

Dr Iftikhar Ahmad, Director of Agriculture Extension, said the first phase of saffron cultivation has been completely successful. He noted that a single kanal of land can yield up to Rs 1.1 million, making saffron one of the most profitable crops for local farmers.

” The department is providing free seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and technical guidance to help farmers adopt modern farming techniques,” he further said.

Farmer Malik Yasir Khan said saffron flowers have appeared and farmers are now reaping the benefits of their hard work. He added that government support and free agricultural inputs have significantly reduced production costs and improved yields.

Agricultural experts believe Swat’s sandy soil, moderate climate, and limited rainfall make it ideal for saffron cultivation. If the project continues successfully, Swat could soon become a center of saffron production in Pakistan, contributing not only to the local economy but also to national exports.

Dr Iftikhar Ahmad emphasized that saffron is a high-value cash crop that will help farmers become more self-reliant and economically stable while generating valuable foreign exchange for the country.
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