Why Is Kesar Expensive In India? List Of Top 10 Saffron Producing Countries In The World

By Ridam Sharma
Thu, 08 May 2025 10:14 AM (IST)

Source:JND

Saffron Producers In The World: Kashmiri saffron is popularly known as Kesar in India. It is among the world's most expensive spices. All because of its top-notch quality, labour-intensive harvesting, and geographical uniqueness. Kashmiri saffron is, hands down, a luxury commodity, which is valued for its unmatched quality and cultural significance. However, over the years, the major price surge has happened because of geopolitical factors and climate change. Let’s take a look at the list of the top 10 major saffron-producing countries, along with the in-depth reasons for saffron being too expensive in India, according to the Testbook statistics.

Why Is Kesar Expensive In India?

The high prices of kesar (saffron) in India depend on several factors, including:

Geographical Indication (GI) Tag: Kashmiri saffron is GI tagged (2020), which guarantees its provenance and distinct qualities, which are only found in Jammu and Kashmir's high-altitude areas (1,600–1,800 meters AMSL). This improves its market value.

Labour-Intensive Harvesting: A kesar harvesting necessitates manual plucking of stigmas from 160–180 flowers, and the harvesting process is confined to a few weeks each year. It is a labour-intensive activity with constant attention required, which together raises production expenses.

Quality Parameters: Kashmir’s saffron exhibits intense red colouration, due to 8.72% crocin level, which is superior to Iran’s 6.82% crocin levels.

Aroma and Flavour: The high intensity fragrance and bitter taste enhance kesar’s appeal as a delicacy and medication.

Purity: Kesar in Kashmir is widely known for its purity, as people here sell it in string form to reduce adulteration, which in powdered form may not occur.

Domestic Low Production: India's domestic production is limited to only 6–7 tons, which is very less compared to the demand level of around 60–65 tons. This demand and supply of consumers lead to an increase in prices.

Geopolitical and Supply Chain: Recent West Asian tensions have disrupted Iranian exports, which cover almost 90% of the worldwide supply. This is also one of the reasons for the increase in Indian saffron prices in India by 20–27% in 2024.

List Of Top 10 Saffron Producing Countries In The World:

Rank	Largest Saffron Producing Countries	Estimated Annual Production (metric tons)
1	Iran	190-350
2	India	2.6–12
3	Greece	3-4
4	Morocco	1.5-2
5	Spain	1-2
6	Italy	0.5-1
7	Turkey	0.3–0.5
8	Afghanistan	0.2–0.3
9	Azerbaijan	0.1–0.2
10	China	0.1

1. Iran

Iran is the world's largest producer of Saffron, producing nearly 190–350 tonnes of kesar every year. The country commands 85–90% of the world saffron supply, with the main kesar producer region being Khorasan. Drought lowered 2022 saffron production to 272 tonnes (-36% YoY). However, in 2025, the production in the country is estimated to increase by 30–50%. Iran’s saffron is exported to almost 67 countries, including China, which gives almost 27% market share and the UAE, with 22% market share.

2. India (Jammu & Kashmir)

India is the second largest producer of kesar, with nearly 2.6–12 tonnes of kesar production. The nation of bullions recorded a 68% drop since the 1990s, with 2.6 tonnes of production in 2023–24. The place in Jammu and Kashmir, Pampore, is widely known as the Saffron Bowl, which cultivates high-crocin saffron varieties that are priced at Rs 3 lakh per kg.

3. Greece (Kozani)

Greece produces 3 to 4 tons of kesar every year. The Kozani Cooperative in Greece, with 1,000 members, controls quality through ISO 9001 certification and organics. The saffron in the country is exported under the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status.

4. Morocco

Morocco produces 1.5–2 tonnes of kesar every year, especially in the Taliouine region. The place is known for its aromatic saffron with expanding EU markets in culinary and cosmetics.

5. Spain (La Mancha)

Spain produces 1-2 tonnes of saffron annually. Spain’s saffron is known for milder flavours. This country acts as a re-exporter of Iranian saffron.

6. Italy

Italy produces 0.5–1 ton of kesar every year. Small-scale farms in Italy’s Abruzzo and Sardinia focus on premium, traceable batches of kesar.

7. Turkey

Italy produces 0.3–0.5 tons of kesar each year. Safranbolu is a town in Turkey, where the traditional methods yield potent saffron strands for local and Middle Eastern markets.

8. Afghanistan

Afghanistan’s yearly saffron production is around 0.2–0.3 tonnes. The city in Afghanistan, Herat, grows saffron as an alternative to poppies, with exports frequently relabeled as Iranian.

9. Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan produces 0.1–0.2 tonnes of saffron annually. A new saffron-producing country is focusing on CIS and European markets through traceability technology.

10. China

China produces less than 0.1 tonnes of saffron every year. Xinjiang and Yunnan’s experimental farms seek to lessen dependence on Iranian imports, with flourishing saffron harvesting in the upcoming years.