Afghanistan's agriculture sector benefits from its available resources and potential in various agricultural fields, particularly in the cultivation of saffron, especially in Herat province. The present study examines the relative advantage of saffron production in Herat province, utilizing data collected from farmers and experts of the saffron industry for the agricultural year 1400-1401. Additionally, the International Trade Center statistics are employed to assess the relative advantage of Afghanistan's saffron exports for the years 2013-2022 using the Political Analysis Matrix (PAM). The results indicate that the government and the global community provide effective support for saffron production and exports, assisting producers of this commodity through indirect subsidies. Moreover, the examination of the relative advantage and competitiveness of saffron reveals that focusing on this crop as an alternative cultivation (poppy) in Herat, Afghanistan justifies its production. Therefore, in order to improve the current situation and preserve this important commodity, it is essential to adopt appropriate supportive policies to promote saffron production and exports, enhance performance, reduce production costs, and focus on product marketing, as well as provide necessary facilities, including essential financial support

Saffron, Political Analysis Matrix, relative competitive advantage, supportive policies, Herat-Afghanistan

This study underscores the strategic importance of saffron production in Herat Province, Afghanistan, highlighting its comparative advantage in both domestic cultivation and international exports. The findings suggest that the Afghan government’s proactive support has been instrumental in enhancing the competitiveness of local producers, positioning Afghanistan as a significant player in the global saffron market. By leveraging its unique resources and fostering a conducive environment for investment, the country can capitalize on this lucrative agricultural sector. Furthermore, the promotion of saffron not only contributes to economic growth but also plays a crucial role in stabilizing local communities by creating jobs and reducing dependency on illicit economies. Therefore, it is imperative for policymakers to implement targeted strategies that extend support to regions with favorable conditions for saffron cultivation. Such measures will not only enhance production capabilities but also strengthen Afghanistan's position in international trade, ultimately contributing to broader economic resilience and sustainable development across the nation

Parisa Habibzadeh, Ali Firoozzare, Arash Dourandish, Amirhossein Tohidi and Mojtaba Nikzad (2024). Investigating the Comparative Advantage of Saffron Production and Export in Afghanistan. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 16(9): 104-116