Average Saffron Production in Torbat Heydarieh: About 3 Kilograms Per Hectare
The Director of the Agriculture Jihad Organization in Torbat Heydarieh reported that saffron production averages 3 kilograms per hectare in the city. Alireza Ghaderi mentioned that, out of 96,500 hectares of saffron cultivated in Khorasan province, 9,200 hectares are in Torbat Heydarieh. As a result, this district ranks second in saffron cultivation, following Zaveh County.
Saffron Cultivation and Modern Irrigation Systems in Torbat Heydarieh
According to the Deputy Head of the Agriculture Organization and the Director of Agriculture Jihad in Torbat Heydarieh, 2,100 hectares of saffron fields have modern irrigation systems in place. Additionally, the district is home to 8,938 saffron growers, and each hectare yields an average of 3 kilograms of saffron.
Economic Impact of Saffron Cultivation in Torbat Heydarieh
Ghaderi highlighted that saffron farming generates 200 man-days of labor per hectare, creating one permanent job for each hectare. Therefore, the city has created 9,200 permanent jobs. Moreover, it indirectly creates 2-3 times that number of jobs.
The Harvest Season and Saffron Processing in Torbat Heydarieh
The saffron harvest season begins in mid-October in cold regions and lasts until the end of November. Ghaderi also emphasized the importance of saffron processing. There are 10 processing centers in the area, producing 60 tons of saffron and its by-products annually.
Challenges for Saffron Farmers in Torbat Heydarieh
Regarding this year’s saffron purchasing price, Ghaderi noted that the government has not yet announced it. However, the Provincial Agriculture Jihad Organization is actively addressing this matter. He also pointed out the major challenges farmers face, including a lack of liquidity and the high labor costs during harvest and processing seasons.
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