Saffron Production and Its Role in Economic Development at Deprived Rural Areas of Khorasan

Considering the fact that rural economy is on the basis of agriculture, lack of attention to rural areas, production facilities and capable human forces as well as special rural and socioeconomic status challenges stability of rural development plans. Saffron is one of the significant products which have a unique status in the world. Producing more than 80% global production, Iran is considered as the greatest producer of saffron in terms of quality and quantity. In this regard, Khorasan, the leading producer of this strategic product, is of prime importance. Sociocultural background, compatibility with arid nature of south Khorasan (Khorasan Jonoubi) and good profitability have made this product one of the sustainable resources of this place. This study aimed at first examining the role of saffron production on economic life in rural areas and second capabilities and economic power in deprived rural areas. In order to collect data, qualitative and quantitative methods including observation, through interview, intensive group interview, questionnaire with interview as well as library research were applied .A total of 100 saffron farmers were selected for this study using systematic sampling. The results revealed that saffron as the main product of the farmers had a significant effect on improving some of the socioeconomic development idiocies in rural areas, and could be considered as an appropriate variable for developing the areas.

کلیدواژه ها:

Rural Development ، Agricultural Development ، Economic Development ، Saffron