Azerbaijan, Baku, Aug. 15 /Trend/
Iran 's Saffron export reached $255 million in last solar year (ended on March 20, 2011). However it is predicted to reduce the production because of the drought spreading through the country, Mehr News Agency reported quoting Agriculture Ministry' s official Hassan Khadanghi as saying.
"A total of 85 tons of saffron exported last year to Europe and Persian Gulf countries valued $255, but it is predicted that the country will reduce production because of the drought," he said.
Previously, the officials warned drought has spread throughout the country, particularly in the central regions, increasing at a rate of 76 percent and creating serious disasters.
Recent reports indicates Iran is getting closer to water crisis while it faces reduction in level of rainfall to 180 millimeters on current solar year.
Iran 's first term of drought from 1998 to 2000 inflicted major damages to agricultural sector
Iran faced new term of drought on summer of 2008 which led the government to determine water quota, the drought cycle usually last 5 to 7 years in Iran.