TEHRAN, Aug. 5 (Mehr News Agency) – The world's annual saffron production stands at around 210 tons, some 45 tons of which is produced in the Iranian province of South Khorasan.

Iran produces about 180 tons of saffron per annum and 85 percent of the figure is exported to other nations, noted Saturday, chairman of the Rural Cooperatives' Organization of South Khorasan Province. However, he warned, the current year's yield will be noticeably affected by drought.

He also pointed to the establishment of four agricultural and horticultural cooperative companies in this northeastern province of the nation and said that the cooperatives are in charge of the affairs regarding saffron from production to its sale.

He also commented on the establishment of modern saffron laboratories and packaging factories in the cities of the province and said that the measures would contribute to the production of high quality produce and promote its exports across the world.