Photos: Saffron, Syria’s red gold, a promising crop

An aerial view shows a farmer picking saffron flowers in a field in Binnish in Syria's northwestern Idlib province. Saffron, often called "red gold" due to its high market value, has become a promising crop in various parts of Syria, including the Idlib region.

A farmer carries a bucket of picked saffron flowers in a field in Binnish in Syria's northwestern Idlib province.

The climate and soil conditions in certain areas, especially in Syria's higher-altitude and temperate regions, are suitable for saffron cultivation.

The flower thrives in well-drained soil and cool temperatures, making some parts of Idlib ideal for this valuable crop.

Farmers pick the stigmas from saffron flowers in a field in Binnish in Syria's northwestern Idlib province. In recent years, despite the hardships caused by the ongoing conflict, some Syrian farmers have turned to saffron cultivation as a way to rebuild and generate income.

The delicate flowers bloom in autumn and require significant labour and attention. Each flower produces just three red stigmas, hand-harvested and carefully dried to make saffron spice.

The labour-intensive process contributes to its high price, which can be a strong economic incentive for farmers.

These experiments have yielded saffron of a high quality that rivals the best globally produced varieties. Above, farmers carry buckets of picked saffron flowers in a field in Binnish in Syria's northwestern Idlib province.

. Local farmers are hopeful that saffron can be a sustainable and lucrative crop, primarily if the right conditions for its cultivation can be maintained.

In addition to providing economic benefits, saffron cultivation also offers an opportunity for agricultural diversification, which can help restore livelihoods in areas affected by the conflict. With proper support, training, and resources, saffron could play a role in Syria's agricultural recovery.