Hashim Aslami facts for kids

Mohammad Hashim Aslami is an amazing Afghan farmer and expert. He helped Afghanistan grow its saffron crop from a small start in 1998. It became a huge export business, earning $25 million by 2019. This happened even though his country faced many challenges. Afghanistan's president even stopped saffron imports from a neighboring country. This was because Afghan saffron became so good!

Learning About Saffron

Mohammad Hashim Aslami learned about saffron's value in Iran. He moved there in 1981. Before that, he earned a degree in agriculture from Kabul University. He was in Kabul when the Soviets arrived in 1979. He saw many students taken away during that difficult time. After moving to Iran, he spent 10 years teaching villagers how to grow crops. Then, he returned to Afghanistan's Herat province.

Starting the Saffron Project

Saffron needs a lot of work to harvest. This made it a good crop for Herat province, where many people needed jobs. Saffron could also be a valuable crop, just like other important plants grown in Afghanistan. In 1998, Mr. Aslami convinced his bosses at a Danish aid group (DACAAR) to help farmers switch to saffron.

The First Saffron Farms

He received a $100 grant. With this, he convinced four farmers to start planting saffron bulbs. Saffron is a perennial plant, meaning it grows back each year. The beautiful flower produces tiny red threads called stigmas. These are carefully picked by hand early in the morning. This was a challenging time in Afghanistan. Yet, Mr. Aslami traveled from village to village. He convinced farmers to join his big plan.

Saffron's Growth and Value

They started with a small area, about 300 square meters. Today, one of those early farms grows saffron on 35 acres! Saffron comes from the Crocus sativus flower. Most saffron in Afghanistan is grown in small plots. Herat province still produces the most. Saffron has been used for over 3,000 years as a seasoning, perfume, dye, and medicine. It is one of the world's most expensive spices. It can sell for as much as $700 per pound. People often call it "Red Gold."

Advisor to Afghanistan

Saffron exports now bring in over $25 million each year. Because of this success, Mr. Aslami has become very important to the government. Afghanistan is now the third-largest saffron producer in the world. Only Iran and India produce more. Afghanistan's saffron production is growing by 20% every year!

At 63 years old, Mr. Aslami is the top government advisor on the saffron market. He is a calm and thoughtful leader. He is responsible for this rare farming success in Afghanistan. He is currently a Senior Advisor for the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock in Afghanistan.