The Deputy Minister of Agriculture stated that increasing productivity and foreign exchange earnings are the primary goals in the saffron industry, and the utilization of academic expertise and support for cooperative organizations are essential in this regard.

Pazh News | Iran holds the top position as the world’s largest producer of saffron, with an annual production exceeding 400 tons. However, Iran’s modest share (less than 10%) of the global saffron market highlights the product’s substantial potential for increased exports and foreign exchange earnings. Mohammad Reza Talayi, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, emphasized this point at the inaugural national saffron day commemoration.

Talayi reiterated that increasing productivity and foreign exchange earnings are the primary goals in the saffron industry, emphasizing the need to leverage academic expertise and support cooperative organizations. The Rural Cooperative Organization, guiding over seven thousand organizations, is committed to supporting the saffron production chain and expanding Iran’s global market share.

Khorasan Razavi, as Iran’s saffron production hub

Gholamreza Ghanbari, Director General of Agriculture Jihad in Khorasan Razavi, emphasizing Iran’s prominent position in saffron production, stressed the need to enhance productivity and introduce the competitive advantages of Iranian saffron in global markets. He also highlighted the importance of self-sufficiency in agricultural production and food security.

Stating that Iran produces approximately 90% of the world’s saffron, with Khorasan Razavi accounting for 75% of Iran’s saffron production, he added: “If we aim to be at the forefront of the saffron industry, we must achieve a reference position in all stages of cultivation, care, harvesting, as well as educational foundations, packaging technology, and trade knowledge. Additionally, by enhancing saffron production efficiency in agricultural lands, we can share the profits from exports with saffron farmers. Increasing farmers’ income is not solely dependent on increasing export prices; rather, if farmers take responsibility for productivity, they can also reap the benefits.”

Referring to the diversity of saffron quality produced by smallholders, Gholamreza Ghanbari emphasized the need for convergence between farmers and intermediary companies to improve quality and enhance the trust of global customers, adding: “Economic diplomacy also plays a significant role in introducing Iranian saffron to global markets.”