بررسی کشت زعفران Crocus sativus در اراضی حوزه دریاچه ارومیه

Recent year’s research shows that it is one of the most effective strategies to restore Lake Urmia and the agricultural boom, change the pattern of cultivation. The climate of West Azarbaijan province is arid and semi-arid, so cultivation of medicinal plants with low water requirement can play an important role in crop production and sustainable employment, especially in deprived and rural areas. Statistics show that, large populations of West Azarbaijan province, live in deprived areas and villages. Recently, cultivation of saffron (Crocus sativus) in the north-western provinces of the country, including West Azarbaijan, East Azarbaijan, Zanjan and Ardabil has been increasing. The suitability of the climate conditions of the cities located in the catchment area of Lake Urmia, such as Urmia, Naghadeh, Miandoab, Mahabad, Salmas and Qushchi for saffron cultivation, can be effective in creating sustainable economic income and revitalizing Lake Urmia.