Saffron of Afghanistan

Saffron Of Afghanistan

Project 2017-05-23 12:36:36 +1200

About me:

My name is Tariq Habibyar. I grew up in Afghanistan. I have a passion for education and social business. Since a young age I have enjoyed creating employment opportunities and sharing knowledge with those who have not been as privileged and fortunate as myself. I have been in New Zealand for over 5 years now and consider NZ my second home. I completed my studies at the University of Canterbury and now work at Massey University.

About this project:

I am running this campaign to gain funding that would allow me to establish a social enterprise that aims to create job opportunities to the disadvantaged in Afghanistan. I registered a company with the companies’ office called ‘super saffron’ which runs as a business dedicated to a social cause. Success of this campaign would lay a foundation for financial strength that would allow establishment of a saffron processing factory in Herat city of Afghanistan (where I was born) that would be mostly lead by women there modelling fair trade.  

Why saffron?

In the past years, saffron has been introduced as an alternative to opium in Afghanistan. The processing of saffron has created jobs for women and has enabled some to make a living or even to be able to enrol their children to school. Saffron, scientifically known as (crocus sativus L.), is a healthy herb. Saffron stigma is very rich in aroma and colour, thus a little of authentic saffron goes a long way. The International Taste and Quality Institute in Brussels has recognized Afghanistan saffron as one of the highest quality saffron in the world. 

Logistics:

I purchased this current batch of saffron stigmas from a trustworthy local company in Herat called ‘Farmers Saffron’. The owners of Farmers Saffron come from a farming background and together we intend to lead our joint business towards social change. This saffron has been processed through NZ customs, and packed by a MPI certified New Zealand social enterprise called Kilmarnock Enterprise Ltd in Christchurch.

Where the money is going?

The amount generated in this campaign will allow us to:

1.      Obtain ISO (International organization for standardization) certificate in Afghanistan (this would allow us to do our future packaging in Afghanistan). Est. cost $700

2.      Purchase new jars Est. cost $800

3.      Recruit two new ‘fixed-term’ employees (possibility for permanent jobs) Est. cost $2400

4.       Purchase a new batch of Afghanistan saffron directly from a farmer Est. cost $5000

5.      Print labels, packages, and other related info Est. cost $600

6.      Create, design, update, and run a website Est. cost $400

Total amount of this campaign is $9900 NZD which will be used for establishment of a social enterprise that aims to create a factory of saffron processing in Herat Afghanistan that would create jobs for hundreds of women in the future.  

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