Guaranteed Purchase of 64 Tonnes of Medicinal Plant Varieties in Khorasan Razavi Province

Head of Rural Cooperative Organization of Khorasan Razavi Province said, “64 tonnes of medicinal plant varieties, such as saffron, have been purchased with a guaranteed price in this province, this year.”

In an interview with IRNA reporter, Majid Chalak added, “So far, over 50 percent of the amount of the guaranteed purchases of these items has been paid to the farmers.”

Stressing the need for medicinal plants agricultural development and export in Rural Cooperative Organizations, he said, “There are great potentials and capabilities for medicinal plants production and process industries in this province, which can be used in the best possible way.”

He said, “At the moment, there is an effort in the organization to press for the activities of the related medicinal plants’ companies.”

Referring to the three cooperative organizations in the field of medicinal plants production, Chalak noted, “This number will rise to 6 by the end of this year and 9 the following year.”

He indicated, “One of the ways to increase the non-oil export development, is to focus on the agricultural sector and to expand products, especially medicinal plants’ cultivation.”

He said, “One of the main medicinal plants of Khorasan Razavi Province is saffron, which is considered a strategic product in the province as well as the country.”

Chalak went on to say, “Making use of medicinal plants, specially considering Iran’s unique climatic capacities, is one of the most optimized use of the existing advantages of the country.”

“Medicinal plants production in Rural Cooperative Organizations means using and activating the potentials in agricultural sectors, which has compatibility with the environment, has relatively suitable functions and active compounds as well as being reasonable in terms of revenues and employment.” He concluded.