Saffron as a main medical, resistive and cash plant for sustainable rural people livelihood in dried regions of Iran

Traditional agriculture in Iran is based on development of cropping systems with low water requiring plants such as saffron. One of the most valuable and irreplaceable medicinal plants all over the world is Saffron. Saffron is originated from iridaceous. According to some European sources, it is produced locally in Mediterranean and west Asian climate. It can be seen in arid areas of Iran with cold winter and hot summer, that is in Southern, and Razavi Khorasn. Saffron is grown in arid and semi-arid regions in Iran in late autumn, winter and late spring with rainy season. It should be irrigated by supplemental basin irrigation. Since rainfall is usually delayed in autumn, therefore, a pre-flowering irrigation of about 100 mm is needed. In areas with a seasonal rainfall of 600 mm a post- flowering irrigation of about 50 mm is adequate for economical yield. In areas with seasonal rainfall of 400 and 200 mm continuous supplemental irrigation is needed with intervals of 24 and 15 days or irrigation regimes of 50% ETp and 75% ETp, respectively. In these areas, irrigation regimes can be planned based on crop water stress index (CWSI) of 0.60 and 0.27, respectively. Resistant of saffron shrub to hot and dried plus snow and very cold air temperature (-15 C) during winter mentioned in various studies in Iran. Today, with %60 of the universal production, Iran is considered the main producer of Saffron in the world. Saffron’s numerous qualities and uses together with the role it plays in the economy of Iranian farmers call for a particular attention to eradicate problems regarding its production, export and merchandising. In Iran it is specially an exceptional product, because it requires little water and low care. It can provide jobs for villagers and prevent their emigration from country to cities. Compared to the other kinds of products, it can bring about a remarkable income both for the farmers and for the country. Saffron is important from aspects of economy, medicine, producing employment opportunities and as food stuff. This article tries to describe a brief history of Saffron, explain its qualities and introduce the ecosystem of medicinal plants in Southern Khorasan. It also attempts to introduce the problems and difficulties with regard to Saffron and its export.

کلیدواژه ها:

Saffron ، Farming ، Economic ، Medicinal plants ، South Khorasan Province ، Iran