Saffron costs have reportedly spiked to ₹5 lakh per kilogram — the equal of fifty grams of gold — after India shut down commerce via the Attari-Wagah border in response to the latest terror assault in Pahalgam.
The transfer has successfully reduce off saffron imports from Afghanistan, triggering a pointy 10% value surge in simply 4 days.
In line 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 coming into India by way of the now-closed land route with Pakistan.
India consumes an estimated 55 tonnes of saffron annually. 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 very valued for its intense color and aroma, whereas Iranian saffron provides a extra economical possibility. With Afghan provide choked off, even the value of Iranian saffron has risen by 5%, the report notes.
The saffron market sometimes provides three main varieties:
- Mongra (Kashmiri) – deep crimson, strongest flavour and highest value
- Lacha (Kashmiri) – consists of components of the fashion, barely decrease power
- Pushal (Afghan, Iranian) – lighter strands with some yellow, extra inexpensive
The timing is especially vital. Home harvests from Kashmir peak solely in late autumn, and the present squeeze might drive costs even larger through the upcoming wedding ceremony and festive season.
As The Financial Instances factors out, the value rally underscores how rapidly geopolitical tensions can spill over into shopper markets — particularly relating to one of many world’s most prized and delicate spices.
