A member of the National Saffron Council said on Wednesday, January 6, that the price of saffron, which was below $1,000 per kilogram last year, has risen to over $1,300 this year, but the production of this agricultural product in Iran has decreased by 40 to 60 percent. According to Mehr News Agency, Ali Hosseini Gazdar pointed out that Iran is the largest producer of saffron in the world, supplying about 90% of global consumption of this product, and added, 'The existing inflation in the country has increased the cost of saffron production.' He continued, 'With the decrease in farmers' income, production in the three provinces of Khorasan has become economically unjustifiable. Moreover, due to the negligence of officials regarding this issue, the productivity of saffron cultivation in Iran has decreased from 6 kilograms to 3 kilograms.' Mr. Hosseini Gazdar also cited 'thermal and cold stress' as other reasons for the decrease in production in Iran, stating that saffron is a drought-resistant product with low water consumption. However, the lack of necessary training for farmers has led to significant damages from thermal and cold stresses. In this area, no one is accountable.'
60% Decrease in Saffron Production in Iran
Iran's saffron production has decreased by 40-60% despite rising prices, primarily due to inflation and lack of support for farmers. Ali Hosseini Gazdar of the National Saffron Council highlights the economic challenges faced by saffron producers in Khorasan. This situation is critical as Iran is the world's leading saffron producer, affecting global supply.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Iran has experienced a significant decrease in saffron production by 40-60% despite a rise in prices. This decline is attributed to inflation, lack of support for farmers, and adverse weather conditions.
- Iran produces about 90% of the world's saffron.
- The productivity of saffron cultivation has dropped from 6 kilograms to 3 kilograms per hectare.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Saffron is a highly valued spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, and Iran has been the leading producer for centuries. Economic pressures and climate change are increasingly affecting agricultural productivity.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%