Regulation of Quality Control of Saffron in Herat Province.

The Regulation sets provisions to introduce agricultural techniques to increase the quality and quantity of saffron as a substantial factor of economic growth in Herat Province. The Regulation consists of 7 Chapters divided into 22 articles: General Provisions (I); Structure, Duties and Competencies of the Committee (II); Supervision (III); Capacity Building (IV); Detection of Fake Saffron (V); Violations and Punishments (VI); Final Provisions (VII). The main objectives of Regulation include: to improve the saffron cultivation methods; to regulate saffron process system; to set standards for saffron production; to introduce the traditional and modern medical uses of saffron; to prevent importation and supply of low-quality foreign saffron; to improve the quality of Afghani saffron according to the international market standards; to introduce Afghani saffron to the foreign markets; to conduct research; to improve youth and women employment; to increase the farmer’s income. To achieve these objectives, the Regulation requires the establishment of Herat Saffron Quality Control Committee. The Committee shall constantly monitor and inspect the activities of corporations, associations and farmers who work in the process of saffron manufacturing.