Abstract

Saffron (Crocus sativus) is one of the most precious agricultural and medicinal plants in the world. It is resistant to dry climates and so it requires very little water. The cultivation of saffron can help create new job opportunities for many people especially in the Iranian province of Khorasan, with its few industrial places in which many young people can be involved. In addition, promoting the cultivation of saffron can convert the economic and social structure of Kashmar and particularly the village of Balavelayat into an area of success and prosperity. The unemployed villagers who usually seek for a job in cities will stop doing so when they can find good jobs with good income in their own town. As a result, there will be a reduction in the number of people immigrating to big cities.

Key words: Saffron (Crocus sativus), rural development, environmental potentials, employment, reduction of migration.