The picturesque city of Torbat-e Jam, nestled in Iran’s Khorasan region, is renowned for its vibrant crocus fields that yield the world’s most coveted spice—saffron. Often referred to as “desert gold” due to its ability to thrive in arid climates, saffron is now facing a crisis as changing weather patterns and water shortages take a toll on Iran’s saffron industry. The consequences are dire, with plummeting yields and soaring prices impacting both local farmers and global consumers.
Weather Challenges Decimate Yields
For local farmers like Reza in Torbat-e Jam, this year has been disastrous. A combination of a freezing winter, followed by a dry spring and scorching summer temperatures reaching 50°C, has led to a significant reduction in saffron yields. Reza’s family harvested only 900kg this season, down from 1,500kg, attributing the decline to adverse weather conditions.
Industry-Wide Impact
The Khorasan region, which includes Torbat-e Jam, accounts for more than 90% of the world’s saffron production. However, this year’s yields are expected to be less than half of 2022, with total production projected to fall to approximately 170 tonnes from nearly 400 tonnes. The chief executive of Novin Saffron, Ali Shariati-Moghaddam, underscores the severity of the situation, highlighting the industry’s struggle to adapt to the changing climate.
Climate Change as a Culprit
Experts, including environmentalist Mohammad Darvish, warn that the extreme weather events affecting saffron cultivation are not isolated incidents but indicative of broader climate change trends. Iran, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where saffron is predominantly grown, is increasingly vulnerable. Declining rainfall, soaring temperatures, and increased evaporation are all contributing factors.
Economic Ramifications and Price Surge
The economic fallout is significant, with the price of premium saffron doubling domestically to $1,400 per kilo compared to the previous year. Internationally, the price reaches $1,800 per kilo. Saffron, a staple in classic Persian cuisine, is not only a cultural icon but also valued for its purported medicinal properties and diverse applications in cosmetics and perfume.
Challenges Beyond Climate: Economic and Political Factors
The saffron industry’s challenges are compounded by Iran’s economic struggles, including runaway inflation and the impact of Western sanctions related to its nuclear ambitions. Spice industry leaders express concerns about dwindling domestic consumption due to soaring prices, with a 50% drop in sales reported in some areas.
Global Impact and Illicit Trade
Iran’s saffron exports, particularly to China, face challenges due to the price surge. Chinese buyers, who account for 45% of Iranian saffron purchases, are reeling from the soaring prices. Additionally, smuggling has emerged as an issue, with illicit trade driven by the economic constraints imposed by sanctions.
Saffron as a Lifeline for Desert Communities
While saffron contributes only a small percentage to Iran’s agricultural output, it serves as a vital lifeline for approximately 100,000 families in desert areas like Khorasan. For these families, saffron cultivation is not just an economic activity but a way of life, and there are calls for government intervention to protect this crucial industry.
Iran’s saffron industry, once flourishing and vibrant, is grappling with the harsh realities of climate change, economic challenges, and geopolitical dynamics. As saffron prices surge to unprecedented levels and supplies dwindle, the future of this “desert gold” hangs in the balance. The plight of farmers in Torbat-e Jam is a poignant reminder of the intricate relationship between climate change and the livelihoods of those who depend on the land for their sustenance.
