Evaluation of Socio-economic effects and profit efficiency of saffron cultivation in Bonab of Marand

This research has been carried out to investigate the saffron cultivation conditions and its economic effects as a replacement of other crops due to high water use efficiency with an emphasis on sustainable agriculture in the Bonab-e-Jadid located in the county of Marand, East Azerbaijan. This study was done using descriptive questionnaires. At first, questionnaires were distributed through farmers based on population for gathering data. The results of this study showed that the average of stigma harvest was 4.7 Kg/ha, that in minimum rate 2 and in maximum rate was 6 Kg/ ha. an average annual earning was 9.7 million Toomans, in the lowest profit of 5 million and the maximum was 35 million Toomans. Also there is a significant difference between workers number and saffron harvested yield. On the other hand, the stigma production (4.7 kg per hectare) had highly significant correlation with initial cost (about 6 million Toomans per hectare) indicating this crop requirement to farmers caring. Obtained results of questionnaires showed the high satisfactory of farmers (57%), but dissatisfaction from stigma sale was observed because of lack of correct management and unknown saffron product of this region. So, paying attention to saffron cultivation and harvest methods in addition to increasing saffron farmers knowledge, can lead to improving rural livelihoods.