Zeinab Moinoddini; Somayeh Elyasi Rad; Azam Gideski
Abstract
Introduction: Iran, renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage, stands as a global leader in saffron production. This vibrant red spice, prized for its culinary and medicinal properties, plays a pivotal role in the country's economy, contributing significantly to non-oil exports and supporting ...
Read More
Introduction: Iran, renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage, stands as a global leader in saffron production. This vibrant red spice, prized for its culinary and medicinal properties, plays a pivotal role in the country's economy, contributing significantly to non-oil exports and supporting rural livelihoods. Saffron cultivation is deeply intertwined with the socio-economic fabric of Iran, providing employment opportunities, ensuring food security, and contributing to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, the agricultural sector, including saffron production, faces mounting pressure from climate change, characterized by rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, and increasing frequency of extreme weather events. Understanding the intricate relationship between saffron performance and these climate variables is crucial for developing effective adaptation strategies and ensuring the long-term sustainability of this vital crop. This study aims to investigate the long-term dynamics between saffron yield, producer prices, and key climatic factors, including rainfall, temperature, and wind speed, in Iran from 2010 to 2023.
Materials and Methods: The study employs time-series data from meteorological and agricultural databases. Variables include saffron yield (kg/ha), annual rainfall (mm), average temperature (°C), wind speed (m/s), and producer price (IRR). Unit root tests establish data stationarity, while co-integration tests confirm long-term relationships among variables. The VECM captures the short- and long-term effects of atmospheric factors on saffron yield. Analytical tools, including EViews 13 software, ensure the reliability of the results.
Results and Discussion: The empirical results reveal a complex interplay between saffron yield, producer prices, and climate variables. Rainfall emerges as a significant positive driver of saffron yield, with higher rainfall levels generally leading to increased production. This finding aligns with the physiological requirements of saffron, which necessitates adequate moisture for growth and development. Conversely, both average annual temperature and wind speed exert a negative influence on saffron yield. Rising temperatures, particularly during critical growth stages, can lead to heat stress, reducing plant vigor and flower production. Similarly, high wind speeds can cause physical damage to plants, such as flower breakage and pollination disruption, negatively impacting yield. The analysis also reveals a significant inverse relationship between producer prices and saffron yield. When saffron prices increase, farmers may be incentivized to shift their resources towards alternative crops with higher profit margins, resulting in a decline in saffron production. This economic behavior highlights the importance of stable and predictable market conditions for supporting saffron cultivation. The estimated VECM model demonstrates a high degree of statistical significance, with an R-squared value of 0.88, indicating that the model explains a substantial proportion of the variation in saffron yield. This finding underscores the robustness of the model and the importance of the identified factors in influencing saffron production.
The findings of this study have significant implications for saffron production in Iran and beyond. The positive impact of rainfall highlights the vulnerability of saffron cultivation to drought conditions and the importance of water management strategies, such as efficient irrigation and rainwater harvesting. Rising temperatures pose a significant challenge to saffron production, necessitating the development of heat-tolerant varieties and adaptation measures such as shade netting and improved irrigation techniques. Similarly, strategies to mitigate the negative effects of wind, such as windbreaks and sheltered cultivation practices, are crucial for enhancing productivity. The inverse relationship between producer prices and yield underscores the importance of stable and predictable market conditions for supporting saffron cultivation. Price stabilization measures, such as price support programs or futures markets, could help mitigate the risk of price fluctuations and encourage farmers to continue saffron production. These findings also highlight the need for a multi-pronged approach to address the challenges of climate change and economic pressures on saffron production.
Conclusion: The findings highlight the critical intersection of climate change and saffron production in Iran. To ensure sustainability, a multi-pronged approach is essential. Policymakers should promote adaptive measures, including introducing resilient saffron varieties, providing financial safeguards, and fostering collaboration between agricultural experts and meteorologists. These strategies will not only stabilize saffron yields but also secure the livelihoods of farmers amidst evolving climatic challenges.
mahsa fazel; Mohammad Armin
Abstract
Introduction: Saffron, a member of the lily family, is highly valued for its low water requirements, potential for job creation, and medicinal properties. Despite the high costs associated with traditional saffron cultivation, the use of tissue culture is recommended to enhance cultivation practices ...
Read More
Introduction: Saffron, a member of the lily family, is highly valued for its low water requirements, potential for job creation, and medicinal properties. Despite the high costs associated with traditional saffron cultivation, the use of tissue culture is recommended to enhance cultivation practices and produce disease-free seedlings. In vitro cultivation can significantly boost the production rate of new seedlings, with success largely dependent on the hormonal composition used. Additionally, carbon nanotubes, which have various applications in biology, have demonstrated a positive impact on plant growth. This study employs the response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize the saffron culture medium with carbon nanotubes and to identify the appropriate hormonal composition.
Materials and Methods: This research was conducted using in vitro culture techniques and a RSM design, comprising four replications. The factors investigated included concentrations of 2,4-D (0.2-0.5 mg/L), BAP (1.5-6 mg/L), and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (30-70 μg/mL). The culture medium and equipment were sterilized in an autoclave at 120°C and 1.5 atmospheres. Pedicel shells were removed, washed, and then immersed in Vitex solution for 30 minutes. The explants were placed in culture dishes and maintained under controlled light and temperature conditions. After five weeks, callus induction characteristics, such as callus induction percentage, diameter, and fresh weight, were measured. The Box-Benken statistical design was utilized for data analysis, and necessary transformations were applied based on software recommendations. A quadratic function was generally selected for the fitted model, even in cases of non-significance, and response surface curves along with contour diagrams were used to interpret the interaction effects of the traits. Tissue culture optimization aimed at maximizing callus formation, fresh weight, and diameter, with the highest model fitness identified as the optimal environment
Results and Discussion: The study's findings indicated that the concentrations of nanocarbon and 2,4-D significantly affected the number of calluses produced. At lower concentrations of 2,4-D, increasing BAP resulted in a higher number of calluses, while at higher concentrations, this effect remained positive. The maximum number of calluses was achieved with specific combinations of 2,4-D and BAP concentrations. High levels of BAP and carbon nanotubes increased the callus production percentage to 174%, whereas at lower concentrations, it was below 85%. The ratios exhibited a saddle function, with the highest number of calluses observed at low concentrations of 2,4-D and nanocarbon. Additionally, the linear effects of 2,4-D and carbon nanotube concentrations were significant at the 1% level, while the effect of BAP was not significant. Elevated concentrations of 2,4-D negatively impacted callus diameter, whereas increasing nanocarbon at high concentrations contributed to an increase in diameter. Ultimately, raising the concentration of 2,4-D led to an increase in callus induction percentage from 79.68% to 92.185%, although high concentrations had a detrimental effect. The highest callus induction percentage was noted with a specific combination of 2,4-D and carbon nanotubes.
Conclusion: The experimental results demonstrated that carbon nanotubes and the hormones BAP and 2,4-D significantly influenced saffron callus induction. High concentrations of 2,4-D exhibited the most substantial effect on the number of calluses produced. Furthermore, the application of BAP hormone up to a certain concentration increased callus number, but higher concentrations resulted in a decrease. Finally, the percentage of callus induction was positively affected by carbon nanotubes, while other characteristics did not show significant effects
Samira Ali
Abstract
Introduction: Depression is a mood disorder that has profound effects on both mental and physical health, leading to decreased quality of life, cognitive issues, and increased susceptibility to various diseases. Current treatments mainly depend on pharmaceutical medications, which can have associated ...
Read More
Introduction: Depression is a mood disorder that has profound effects on both mental and physical health, leading to decreased quality of life, cognitive issues, and increased susceptibility to various diseases. Current treatments mainly depend on pharmaceutical medications, which can have associated side effects. In this context, the use of natural remedies, including medicinal plants such as saffron, has gained attention for their potential in alleviating depression symptoms. Saffron, known for its calming, anti-anxiety, and anti-inflammatory properties, has emerged as a promising natural treatment option for depression.
Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases for studies published between 2019 and 2024. The search terms included "saffron and depression," "crocin and depression," "saffronal and depression," and "saffron compounds and mood disorders." Studies were included if they focused on the effects of saffron and its compounds on depression, with full-text access available. Studies that only contained abstracts or were written in languages other than English were excluded.
Results and Discussion: The reviewed studies indicate that saffron and its active compounds, particularly crocin and safranal, exhibit significant antidepressant effects. These effects are attributed to the modulation of neurotransmitter systems such as serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and GABA, as well as the reduction of inflammation and the increase in antioxidant activity within the brain. Moreover, saffron has been shown to positively influence the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurogenesis, further contributing to the reduction of depression symptoms. In preclinical animal models, saffron’s antidepressant effects were demonstrated through behavioral tests such as the forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST), where saffron-treated animals showed significant improvements in depressive behaviors. The antidepressant effects of saffron can be attributed to several neurobiological mechanisms. Crocin and safranal, two of saffron’s primary bioactive compounds, act by inhibiting the reuptake of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, thereby increasing their availability in the brain. Additionally, saffron has antioxidant properties that protect neurons from oxidative damage, and it regulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which plays a key role in stress and mood regulation. Furthermore, saffron’s impact on neuroinflammation and its ability to modulate neurotransmitter systems like GABA and glutamate contribute to its antidepressant effects. These mechanisms collectively help improve neuronal plasticity and restore mood balance, making saffron a promising adjunctive treatment for depression.
Conclusion: Saffron appears to be a promising natural remedy for alleviating depression, particularly in cases where conventional treatments have been insufficient. Its active compounds, crocin and safranal, exert antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects, making saffron a viable alternative or complementary treatment to traditional pharmacological interventions. However, further clinical studies with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-up are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of saffron in treating depression in clinical settings.
Elham Ghochanian Haghverdi; Mostafa Yaghoobzadeh; Alireza Moghri Friz; Omid Khorashadizadeh; Hamed Javadi
Abstract
Introduction: Climate change is one of the most significant environmental challenges of the 21st century, with profound impacts on agriculture, especially in arid and semi-arid regions such as South Khorasan Province, Iran. Saffron is a strategic and valuable product, with 90% of the world's cultivation ...
Read More
Introduction: Climate change is one of the most significant environmental challenges of the 21st century, with profound impacts on agriculture, especially in arid and semi-arid regions such as South Khorasan Province, Iran. Saffron is a strategic and valuable product, with 90% of the world's cultivation area and 93.7% of global production of this product belonging to Iran. Saffron is a low-maintenance plant, well-suited for cultivation in the arid and semi-arid regions of the country, and it also offers high economic returns. Considering the specific climatic conditions of Iran, where water is one of the limiting factors for agricultural development, saffron is an ideal agricultural product. One of the parameters influencing agricultural crop performance is the vapor pressure deficit (VPD). VPD is not only a critical factor affecting plant physiology but also has a significant impact on the water requirements of plants However, the increasing vapor pressure deficit (VPD) caused by climate change has directly affected its yield. Vapor pressure deficit (VPD) is an index representing the difference between the actual moisture content of the air and the maximum moisture the air can hold. This index is influenced by temperature and relative humidity and can be calculated using meteorological data. This study aims to examine the long-term impacts of VPD on saffron yield and predict its performance using artificial intelligence (AI) models.
Materials and Methods: In this study, climatic data including Monthly data of temperature, humidity, precipitation, and vapor pressure deficit (VPD) were obtained from the JRA-55 database for the years 1958 to 2023 for four regions of South Khorasan Province (Birjand, Tabas, Esfeden, and Sarayan). These data were processed using tools in the ArcGIS environment. Saffron yield data for the years 2005 to 2023 were collected from the South Khorasan Agricultural Organization and Vapor pressure deficit was calculated using existing equations. To predict the long-term saffron yield, four artificial intelligence algorithms, including Random Forest (RF), Generalized Additive Model (GAM), Random Subspace (RSS), and M5P, were used. The models were evaluated using the cross-validation technique to avoid overfitting or underfitting. To assess the performance of the models, statistical indices such as correlation coefficient (CC), mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), and relative root mean square error (RRMSE) were used.
Results and Discussion: The long-term analysis of vapor pressure deficit (VPD) changes and its impact on saffron yield in the studied regions revealed a gradual increase in the annual average VPD over the past 60 years. The decadal increase in average VPD for Birjand was 60 Pa, Sarayan 100 Pa, Qaen 40 Pa, and Tabas 50 Pa. The reduction in saffron yield averaged annually as 0.16 kg/ha for Birjand, 0.2 kg/ha for Sarayan, 0.13 kg/ha for Qaen, and 0.14 kg/ha for Tabas. Statistical indices were used to evaluate the performance of the models in both the training and testing stages. The performance of the Random Forest model was superior to the other models in both the training and testing phases [RRMSE= 0.01, RMSE= 0.09, MAE= 0.06, CC= 0.99] ,[RRMSE= 0.01, RMSE= 0.28, MAE= 0.23,CC= 0.94], The Generalized Additive Model (GAM) performed similarly to the Random Forest model during the training phase and ranked slightly lower in performance during the testing phase. The Random Subspace (RSS) model showed moderate performance in both the training and testing phases, with better performance during training compared to testing. The M5P model demonstrated poorer performance compared to the other models. These findings highlight the significant impact of increasing VPD on saffron yield due to climate change. The RF model, owing to its high accuracy and ability to handle complex relationships among variables, proved to be the best model for saffron yield prediction.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated that VPD, as a climate-sensitive parameter, plays a critical role in reducing saffron yield. The results indicated that all combined models are, to some extent, suitable for predicting crop yield. Among the algorithms used, the Random Forest model provided more accurate predictions due to combining the results of multiple decision trees and its ability to prevent data overfitting. This study recommends using the Random Forest model for future studies on saffron yield prediction based on vapor pressure deficit to manage water requirements.
Somaye Amini; Seyed Mahdi Ziaratnia
Abstract
Introduction: The efficient long-term storage of plant callus tissues plays a crucial role in preserving and capitalizing on plant genetic resources. Traditional subculturing techniques can be laborious and expensive, often resulting in contamination, genetic instability, and alterations in metabolite ...
Read More
Introduction: The efficient long-term storage of plant callus tissues plays a crucial role in preserving and capitalizing on plant genetic resources. Traditional subculturing techniques can be laborious and expensive, often resulting in contamination, genetic instability, and alterations in metabolite profiles. Recent researches suggest that lowering storage temperatures, while avoiding freezing conditions, can significantly improve the viability of callus cultures by inhibiting metabolic activity. This strategy may reduce the necessity for frequent subculturing while maintaining the quality of the cultures. This study sought to discover an effective method for preserving saffron (Crocus sativus L.) callus, with a specific focus on sustaining its physiological functions, particularly its regenerative capabilities.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at the Research Institute of Food Science and Technology (RIFST) in Mashhad, focusing on the regenerative capability of saffron corm-derived calli. Saffron corms were harvested in mid-May and subjected to surface sterilization through washing with tap water, immersion in 70% ethanol for 1 minute, and treatment with 1% sodium hypochlorite solution. Residual disinfectants were removed by rinsing with sterile water. The sterilized corms were sliced into 1 cm2 with 1-2 mm thickness and cultured on solid Gamborg’s medium (B5) supplemented with 2 mg/L NAA, 1 mg/L Kinetin (Kin), and 3% sucrose. The cultures were incubated in the dark at 22±2 °C, with subculturing occurring every 20 days to promote callus development. Upon reaching sufficient callus volume, the samples underwent various storage treatments: calli were stored at 4 °C and 22±2 °C, both with and without liquid paraffin coverage for three months without subculturing. The control group comprised calli maintained at room temperature with routine subculturing every three weeks. After the storage period, all calli were transferred to a liquid SH medium containing 2 mg/L NAA, 1 mg/L 6-benzyladenine (BA), and 3% sucrose for six weeks. Parameters including cell growth index, medium pH, and cell viability (live versus dead), were assessed every week. At the end of the culture period, the amount of crocin as the main secondary metabolite in the saffron cells was measured using spectrophotometric method.
Results and Discussion: The results demonstrated that the stored calli at 4 °C showed the highest cell growth index after transfer to liquid culture medium. In contrast, calli covered with liquid paraffin at both 4 °C and 22±2 °C exhibited a complete loss of regeneration capacity in suspension culture. Interestingly, low-temperature storage not only maintained but also enhanced cell growth index (1.02) in liquid culture when compared to the control treatment (0.42). It is due to the growth of live cells which was evidenced by live cell counts using trypan blue staining. These findings highlight the critical role of temperature regulation in the successful storage of plant callus tissues. Our study also aligning with prior researches as they suggest that refrigerated storage is suitable for the preservation of calli derived from chilling-tolerant plants, but it is not suitable for chilling-sensitive species.
Conclusion: This study concludes that saffron corm-derived calli can be effectively maintained with preserved regenerative capacity when stored at 4 °C for three months without subculture. Additionally, the regeneration capacity was optimized, reflected by a high ratio of live to dead cells after transferring to a cell suspension culture. Thus, storage of saffron calli at 4 °C is a reliable and efficient method for long-term conservation. Among the studied treatments, only the calli maintained under control conditions showed crocin content (1.1 mg of per gram of dry cells). Considering that this study was the first to investigate long-term storage methods for saffron calli, it is obvious that more research is needed to increase metabolites after the long storage of calli.
Mohammad Hossein Aminifard; *, Ali *, Ali Khaksari Moghadam; Hassan Hassan Bayat; Hamid Reza Fallahi
Abstract
Introduction: Agricultural saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a monocotyledonous plant, a geophyte, and belongs to the Iridaceae family. Consumption of appropriate amounts of organic inputs has positive effects on the vegetative characteristics of saffron, which is attributed to the better allocation of ...
Read More
Introduction: Agricultural saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a monocotyledonous plant, a geophyte, and belongs to the Iridaceae family. Consumption of appropriate amounts of organic inputs has positive effects on the vegetative characteristics of saffron, which is attributed to the better allocation of food elements to its organs. Animal manures do not have one-sided effects, but on the one hand, they help to provide food and on the other hand, they improve the structure of the soil. Therefore, the use of organic fertilizers to increase or at least maintain soil fertility and increase yield is inevitable. The use of elemental sulfur is also used as an acidifying agent to increase the ability to absorb nutrients in calcareous soils. Based on this, due to the reasonable price and availability of sulfur, as well as calcareousness and low organic matter in most of the soils of the country, this research was conducted to investigate the effect of sulfur and sheep manure on vegetative growth and yield of saffron in Sarayan region.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of sheep manure and sulfur on vegetative growth and yield of saffron during 2018-2019 in the Sarayan region in a factorial manner and a randomized complete block design with three replications. Experimental treatments included sheep manure at four levels (0, 20, 40, and 60 t. ha-1) and sulfur at three levels (0, 200, and 400 kg. ha-1). After plotting, sheep manure and sulfur were added to the respective plots in the amount mentioned in the treatments and mixed with the soil with a shovel and the plots were leveled again. Simultaneously with the beginning of flowering (late November 2018), the flowers of each plot were collected daily from the entire surface of the plots. The traits related to flowering, leaf growth, and then the indicators related to the growth status of the corms were measured.
Results and Discussion: The results showed a significant effect of sulfur (400 kg. ha-1) in both years on fresh style weight, dry style weight, leaf length, leaf number, number of the corm, and the total weight of the corm. In addition, the results showed that the highest level of sheep manure (60 t.ha-1) caused a significant increase in fresh style weight by 78.50 and 26.66%, dry style weight by 28.57 and 53.84%, fresh stigma yield by 9.32 and 5.16%, dry stigma yield by 11.00 and 4.76%, fresh stigma weight by 12.73 and 6.82%, dry stigma weight 11.11 and 11.11%, leaf length by 38.75 and 44.27%, fresh leaf weight by 84.00 and 123.25%, dry leaf weight by 84.61 and 88.38%, number of the corm by 49.24 and 24.29%, the total weight of the corm by 98.77 and 56.44%, and the mean weight of the original girl corms 22.97 and 60.42%, respectively, in both years compared to the control treatment. It should be noted that the use of animal manure alone at the highest level has increased the number of flowers by five percent, and the use of sulfur alone has increased the number of flowers by half a percent, and the use of both at the same time has increased the number of flowers by 13 percent. Effects of sheep manure (60 t. ha-1) and sulfur (400 kg. ha-1) treatments on fresh and dry stigma weight and dry leaf weight in the first year and number of flowers per square meter, fresh flower yield, fresh style length, fresh and dry stigma yield, fresh and dry leaf weight, and mean weight of the original girl corms had the highest increase in the second year. The results of mutual effects also show well for the wet and dry performance of the stigma that the highest yield was observed at the level of 400 kg per hectare of sulfur and 60 t. h-1 of sheep manure, the amount of which is 4.65 and 1.14 grams per square meter, and the lowest amount was obtained in the control. The results show that each of the elements alone did not have a good effect considering the short time, but two types of fertilizers together have been able to have an acceptable effect in a short period.
Conclusion: The simultaneous use of decayed sheep manure with sulfur, both of which were used as a soil application, has shown significant effects on most of the vegetative, agronomic, and quantitative traits of saffron. Thus, it is recommended that farmers use sheep manure with sulfur to significantly increase the yield of the saffron plant. Sulfur, in addition to acidifying the target area, which leads to better absorption of elements, disinfects the soil, and prevents the spread of diseases and mites.
Hadi Zeraatgar; Azam Gideski; Zeinab Moinoddini
Abstract
Introduction: Organic agriculture has emerged as a critical approach to sustainable food production, emphasizing environmental conservation, soil health, the provision of safe and healthy food. Among the various crops suitable for organic farming, saffron (Crocus sativus) is particularly notable for ...
Read More
Introduction: Organic agriculture has emerged as a critical approach to sustainable food production, emphasizing environmental conservation, soil health, the provision of safe and healthy food. Among the various crops suitable for organic farming, saffron (Crocus sativus) is particularly notable for its high economic value, low water requirements, and adaptability to harsh climatic conditions. As the world’s leading producer of saffron, Iran has a unique opportunity to enhance its agricultural sustainability through the adoption of organic saffron farming practices. This review discusses the methods of organic saffron production.
Principles of Organic Saffron Cultivation: In this cultivation eschews the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, replacing them with natural alternatives such as organic manures and sustainable agricultural practices. These methods are designed to enhance soil fertility, reduce environmental contamination, and support biodiversity. The key practices in organic saffron farming include the use of organic manures, crop rotation, intercropping, and biological pest control.
Soil Health and Nutrient Management: Soil health is foundational to the success of organic saffron farming. Organic manures, including compost, farmyard manure, and vermicompost, play a crucial role in improving soil structure, enhancing moisture retention, and supporting microbial activity. These organic inputs enrich the soil with essential nutrients, creating a balanced ecosystem that supports robust saffron growth and improves yield quality over time.
Crop Rotation and Intercropping: Crop rotation and intercropping are pivotal strategies in organic saffron farming, offering several benefits. These practices break the life cycles of pests, reduce weed pressure, and optimize nutrient use. For example, intercropping saffron with legumes helps enhance soil nitrogen levels, benefiting saffron plants and reducing the dependency on synthetic fertilizers. This symbiotic relationship fosters a more sustainable farming system and improves the overall health of the agricultural ecosystem.
Pest and Disease Management: In organic saffron farming, pest and disease management focuses on biological and cultural control methods. Beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory beetles are introduced to manage pest populations naturally. Cultural practices, including proper irrigation management, timely planting, and the removal of diseased plants, are essential in preventing the spread of diseases. These methods help maintain a healthy crop without relying on chemical pesticides, ensuring that the saffron produced is free from harmful residues and safer for consumers.
Quality and Economic Value of Organic Saffron: Organic saffron is often of higher quality compared to conventionally grown saffron. It is characterized by enhanced flavor, aroma, and active compounds such as crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal, which contribute to its medicinal and culinary value. This superior quality aligns with the growing global demand for organically produced food and medicinal products. The premium price that organic saffron can command provides a significant economic incentive for farmers to transition to organic practices, offering them higher profitability and market competitiveness.
Environmental Benefits: The environmental benefits of organic saffron farming are profound. By eliminating the use of synthetic inputs, organic farming reduces soil and water contamination, decreases greenhouse gas emissions, and promotes biodiversity. These benefits align with global sustainability goals, contributing to the conservation of natural resources, the health of ecosystems, and the mitigation of climate change.
Challenges in Transitioning to Organic Saffron Farming: Despite its numerous benefits, transitioning to organic saffron farming presents several challenges. Farmers may encounter increased labor requirements, the need for specialized knowledge and training, and initially lower yields compared to conventional farming methods. Additionally, accessing certified organic inputs and markets can be challenging, especially for small-scale farmers or those in regions with limited infrastructure for organic agriculture.
Overcoming Challenges: Support and Policy Frameworks: To overcome these challenges, farmers need access to a supportive framework that includes financial incentives, training programs, and extension services. These resources can help farmers adopt organic practices more effectively, increase their productivity, and gain access to profitable organic markets. Establishing robust certification processes and developing strong market linkages are also crucial to ensuring that farmers can benefit from the premium prices associated with organic products.
Conclusion: Organic saffron farming presents a sustainable and economically viable path forward for saffron producers. By adopting organic practices, farmers can produce high-quality saffron while preserving the environment and supporting biodiversity. Continued research, policy support, and market development are essential to facilitating the wider adoption of organic saffron farming, maximizing its potential, and contributing to sustainable food systems globally.
Mahdieh Moodi
Abstract
Introduction: Saffron is one of the most valuable crops on the Earth and is from the lily family. This plant grows in the Mediterranean climate region and West Asia, in areas with very little rainfall that have cold winters and hot summers. Saffron is cultivated in other countries of the world in addition ...
Read More
Introduction: Saffron is one of the most valuable crops on the Earth and is from the lily family. This plant grows in the Mediterranean climate region and West Asia, in areas with very little rainfall that have cold winters and hot summers. Saffron is cultivated in other countries of the world in addition to Iran, and apart from Iran, the most important saffron producing countries are Spain, Italy, Greece, India, Morocco and Azerbaijan (Zabihi, Pishbin, 2018).Reliance on oil exports is a special feature of the Iranian economy, and fluctuations in oil prices always cause instability in foreign exchange earnings and the Iranian economy. This has led to the emphasis of economic development programs on not depending on a single-product economy, diversifying foreign exchange earnings through increasing non-oil exports and increasing the share of the Iranian economy in international trade. Paying attention to non-oil exports and taking effective measures to improve them requires creating a competitive environment, and this in itself makes a wider presence in global markets, especially the World Trade Organization, inevitable. (Mohammadzadeh Asl, Mohammadi, 2012)Inflation is known as a determining factor and affecting export prices. Inflation is a major economic problem in developing countries such as Iran. People are well aware of the negative impact of inflation on economic well-being and reducing their purchasing power. If the exchange rate shows severe fluctuations, the value of exported goods and the cost of imported goods in domestic currency are severely affected. Therefore, the more risk-averse the country's foreign trade factors are and the greater the share of foreign trade in GDP and exports, the greater the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on reducing domestic production, increasing prices, and limiting foreign trade. (Moghali, 2019) Materials and Methods: The present study aims to investigate the economic factors affecting saffron exports from Iranian customs in terms of data collection method, descriptive (correlation branch) and applied in terms of purpose. The research was conducted in 2024 and the required information was collected through library resources of the last 5 years. The statistical population of the study includes saffron exports from all customs in Iran and the research hypotheses are as follows:1- There is a significant relationship between inflation rate and saffron exports.2- There is a significant relationship between exchange rate and saffron exports.3- There is a significant relationship between GDP and saffron exports. Results and Discussion: The data of the present study were analyzed with the help of SPSS version 22 software. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to determine the symmetry of the variables. The significance level obtained from this test was more than 5 percent in most variables, which showed that the data had a normal distribution. After examining the normality of the variables, the relationship between them was examined.Considering the confirmation of the hypotheses and the beta coefficient obtained from the regression test, the initial conceptual model was completed and the relationship between the dependent and independent variables is presented in the form of a conceptual model as follows.EX=15/480ER+ 14/289IN+ 0/781GDPConsidering the obtained beta coefficient and considering the confirmation of the hypotheses and the positivity of the coefficients, which indicates the alignment of the relationship, it can be said that a one percent change in the exchange rate leads to a 15 percent change in exports, a one percent change in inflation leads to a 14 percent change in exports, and a one percent change in GDP leads to less than a one percent change in exports. Therefore, among the factors discussed, inflation and currency have the greatest impact on saffron exports. Conclusion: The present study, with the aim of determining the economic factors affecting saffron exports as a strategic currency-earning commodity in Iran, examined three factors affecting exports, including inflation, currency, and GDP, and concluded that all three factors have a positive effect on saffron exports. In fact, from the cultivation process to the production of saffron and the marketing and sale of this precious spice, all can lead to job creation. If Iranian producers work hard at all stages, unparalleled job opportunities will be provided, and this will have an impact on the gross domestic product, increasing per capita income, and the well-being of society.