Climatic Zoning Saffron cultivation using Analytical Hierarchy Process and Analytic Network Process (A case study of Semnan city)

Saffron Crocus sativus L. as the word most valuable agricultural and pharmaceutical product is one of the planet that has a significant rule in Iran's non-oil exports (according to resistance to drought). Climate is one of the most important in environmental variables . In addition, accurate knowledge of the agricultural products characteristics in every area is the basis of agricultural development, therefore, identification of potential areas for cultivation, sets the stage for essential planning for expansion of this crop. In this study tried to zone potential areas for cultivation saffron in Semnan city by assessing climate conditions so, four weather stations were selected in a statistical ten year period (2004-2014). Modeling and data analysis were performed by using Arc Gis software. according to suitable climate for every stage of saffron growth. Information layers were classified and weighted. Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and analytic network process (ANP) was used for integrating information layers. Finally, climatic zoning map of cultivation saffron in semnan city was drawn. At this study we comparison results between AHP and ANP methods. AHP results show about 59.5 percent of the city is in best condition, 34.5 percent is in average condition and 6 percent is in weak condition for cultivating saffron. But in ANP method 32 percent of the city is in best condition, 48 percent is in average condition and 20 percent is in weak condition for cultivating saffron.