Management Strategies for Production, Processing and Marketing of Saffron in Khorasan Razavi

Saffron is an important agricultural product and important source of foreign exchange particularly in the provinces of Khorasan. In order to identify strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities in the production, processing and marketing of saffron, factors analytical strategic method (SWOT) was used. The Required data were collected through interviews and questionnaires completed by managers and experts of the manufacturers and exporters of Mashhad and Torbat-e- Heydarieh. Results of external factor evaluation matrix showed that strengths of physical form, position, product and process of marketing mix were more than weaknesses. Results of external factor evaluation Matrix showed that opportunities of physical form, position, product and process marketing mix overcomed the threats. Results of SWOT showed that the best strategy is to execute diversified strategy. Finally, some recommendations are made to improve the situation.