scientific advancements in saffron production
scientific advancements in saffron production :The Secretary of the 7th National Saffron Conference of Iran stated that increasing scientific and research capabilities is key to addressing saffron industry challenges. The conference, held in Birjand, serves as an important platform for this goal.
Scientific Solutions to Saffron Industry Challenges
scientific advancements in saffron production : Mohammad Ali Behdani, in an interview with IRNA on Wednesday, explained that the 7th National Saffron Conference, held on November 23 and 24 at Birjand University, could mark a turning point for improving saffron’s status in the country. He emphasized the need to increase scientific research. Iran controls 90% of the world’s saffron cultivation area, yet it does not produce a corresponding percentage of saffron research.
Increasing Research and Collaboration in Saffron Studies
scientific advancements in saffron production : The professor from Birjand University’s Department of Plant Engineering and Genetics pointed out challenges in establishing research and educational infrastructure. Universities and research centers lack focus on saffron processes. He stressed the importance of collaboration between universities and saffron companies. This partnership will improve industry conditions. Many saffron processing companies support the conference by presenting their products and engaging with stakeholders to find solutions for the industry.
Saffron’s Role in Iran’s Economy and Sustainability
Birjand University, the largest and oldest academic institution in eastern Iran, has long focused on diversifying its scientific activities. Its goal is to transform knowledge into wealth and strengthen industry-university relationships. Behdani further emphasized the need for scientific solutions to the critical issue of water scarcity. This challenge impacts saffron as well as other important regional products, such as pomegranate and barberry.
Competing Globally in Saffron Production
Behdani emphasized that Iran holds a strong competitive advantage in saffron production compared to countries like Italy, Spain, and Greece. He urged the effective utilization of this advantage to benefit national interests, saffron farmers, and production regions. The research group at Birjand University aims to tackle industry challenges with practical research proposals. These proposals aim to improve both saffron quantity and quality.
The Need for Organic Saffron and International Recognition
Although a significant portion of saffron production in Iran is organic, Behdani noted that it has yet to gain international recognition as an organic product. He pointed out that countries like Spain have been producing saffron for years. If Iran does not act quickly, it risks falling behind in the global market.
Saffron’s Economic, Cultural, and Social Importance
scientific advancements in saffron production : Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world and holds historical significance in Iran’s agricultural heritage. Behdani believes that saffron’s social, cultural, economic, and even technological value places it in a unique position, surpassing other agricultural exports. Saffron cultivation is deeply rooted in Iranian rural communities, adding to its cultural and ecological significance.
Saffron as a Family-Oriented and Ecological Product
scientific advancements in saffron production : The production of saffron is family-oriented, relying on local indigenous knowledge. This connection to nature and the environment gives saffron its unique ecological identity. Most of Iran’s saffron production follows organic practices. Behdani emphasized that, compared to other major agricultural products, saffron’s value is far higher, especially in these specific regions.
Sustainable Development for Iran’s Saffron Industry
scientific advancements in saffron production : Given saffron’s crucial role in the region’s economy, Behdani called for sustainable development strategies that align with ecological principles. Scientific research focused on identifying and optimizing critical agricultural factors will help improve saffron yields and overall industry performance.
Competitive Market Strategies for Saffron
scientific advancements in saffron production : Behdani stressed the importance of making saffron production competitive in global markets. He argued that improving interactions between production, environment, marketing, and management factors will benefit producers and lead to greater sustainability.
Future Prospects for the Saffron Industry
scientific advancements in saffron production : The 7th National Saffron Conference will be a valuable event, bringing together leading experts and researchers in the field. Following the conference, Behdani expects a new era of progress for Iran’s saffron industry. He anticipates promising outcomes in both production and global market positioning.
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