SAFFRON (Red Gold): Production and Marketing

Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world. Its economic importance is reflected from the fact that it is perhaps the only farm product the world over, traded in grams rather than kilograms or tons. It is in demand the world over by virtue of its unique aroma, colouring capacity and proven medicinal properties. It is of great economic importance to Iran (Iran's Red Gold) because, as a heavily labour-intensive crop, its production, processing and marketing generate considerable employment and income in the country. Currently very little systematic literature is available on the economics of production and marketing of saffron in the world general and in Iran in particular. The present book based on the doctoral research attempts to analyse the economics of production and marketing of saffron in Iran with a view not only to add to the existing scanty literature on the subject but to suggest policies for improvement in the production, productivity and marketing of saffron in Iran. The book would be of great use to policy makers as well as and researchers on the subject, and also to producers and other stakeholders involved in the processing and marketing of Iranian saffron.