Saffron costs have reportedly spiked to ₹5 lakh per kilogram — the equal of fifty grams of gold — after India shut down commerce by way of the Attari-Wagah border in response to the current terror assault in Pahalgam.
The transfer has successfully reduce off saffron imports from Afghanistan, triggering a pointy 10% worth surge in simply 4 days.
In keeping with a report by The Financial Instances, Afghan saffron shipments have come to a standstill. Retailers and wholesalers are reporting acute provide stress, particularly for high-quality saffron that had been getting into India through the now-closed land route with Pakistan.
India consumes an estimated 55 tonnes of saffron every year. Whereas a portion of this comes from Kashmir — identified for its premium-grade kesar — a big share is imported from Iran and Afghanistan.
Afghan saffron is particularly valued for its intense color and aroma, whereas Iranian saffron provides a extra economical choice. With Afghan provide choked off, even the worth of Iranian saffron has risen by 5%, the report notes.
The saffron market usually provides three main varieties:
- Mongra (Kashmiri) – deep crimson, strongest flavour and highest worth
- Lacha (Kashmiri) – contains elements of the type, barely decrease energy
- Pushal (Afghan, Iranian) – lighter strands with some yellow, extra reasonably priced
The timing is especially crucial. Home harvests from Kashmir peak solely in late autumn, and the present squeeze could drive costs even greater through the upcoming wedding ceremony and festive season.
As The Financial Instances factors out, the worth rally underscores how rapidly geopolitical tensions can spill over into shopper markets — particularly in terms of one of many world’s most prized and delicate spices.
