UNIDO and Bank Keshavarzi to Launch Saffron Value Chain Development Project

Mr. Alessandro Amadio, UNIDO representative in Iran and Dr. Mohammad Talebi, Bank Keshavarzi Chairman and managing Director, signed a working agreement here in Tehran on July 21, 2013.  The agreement defines the collaboration between UNIDO and Bank Keshavarzi for the development of the Saffron Industry Value Chain Development, AVA Diplomatic reports.The project will be implemented aimed at increasing the export volume and export value of saffron and saffron by-products and increasing the income of stakeholders along the value chain. Based on the studies conducted on the project, the two parties expect to face outcomes such as improved saffron production in agriculture sector, enhanced processing and packaging technology and increased direct share of Iranian SMEs in saffron global market.

Saffron is a spice obtained from the dried stigma of the flower of saffron crocus (Crocus Sativus), which is native to Iran and is considered to be the world’s most expensive spice. Among the countries involved in saffron production, Iran is considered to be the original home of saffron with the largest saffron harvest and production area (54,000 hectares of saffron harvest area). According to the recent statistics, the annual amount of saffron production in Iran is 263 tonnes, which constitutes 94% of the world saffron production.