The harvest was done for the first time: It is being sold for 600,000 TL per kilogram.

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The first harvest of saffron, known as the "golden plant" in Van, which has a market value ranging between 400,000 and 600,000 TL, has been carried out.

Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Faculty of Agriculture established a medicinal and aromatic plants garden on the university campus to bring together high value-added products with local producers.

In the garden established in 2016,

academics who produce many plants such as mint, thyme, and oregano have also initiated studies for saffron, which is among the most expensive plants in the world.

PROPERTIES AND POTENTIAL OF SAFFRON

Turkish saffron, which received the title of "national plant" in 2014, is a variety recognized internationally for its color and aroma. Experts have determined that the plant is suitable for Van's high-altitude geography by monitoring the adaptation process and productivity of saffron over six years. The harvest of saffron, which has a wide range of applications in the dye, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and food industries, has been carried out for the first time in Van.

"A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR FARMERS"

Dr. Lütfi Nohutçu, a faculty member of the Department of Field Crops, stated that they started the trial planting with 50 bulbs and reached 3,000 bulbs. Nohutçu said, "Saffron production was attempted for the first time in Van, and positive results were obtained. The plant's ability to multiply rapidly is a great advantage for our farmers. The yield obtained is quite good."

"ONLY ONE GRAM IS OBTAINED FROM 160 PLANTS"

Nohutçu provided the following information about the economic return of saffron: "Only one gram of saffron is obtained from 160 plants. An area of four decares needs to be planted for one kilogram of saffron. Saffron, which is sold for 10,000-15,000 dollars per kilogram in the foreign market, finds buyers in Turkey for 400,000-600,000 TL. Regions with high altitudes such as Van, Ağrı, and Hakkari are ideal for the cultivation of this plant. We recommend our farmers to take advantage of this opportunity. Saffron holds an important place in the food and pharmaceutical sectors."