Identification of Suitable Areas for Cultivation of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Using Artificial Intelligence-Based Models in Khorasan Razavi Province

Saffron (Crocus sativus L) holds a special place in the culture and economy of various countries as one of the valuable and expensive spices. This plant, resistant to drought and capable of growing in specific climatic conditions, carries significant economic importance. Its cultivation in regions with limited conditions and low water requirements is considered an excellent opportunity for sustainable agriculture in upland and water-scarce areas. In Iran, saffron is cultivated as a strategic and exportable product, especially in regions like Khorasan, Kerman, Golestan, and Markazi. The cultivation of saffron comes with challenges such as water scarcity, soil pollution, decreased genetic diversity, and climate change, especially in arid and water-scarce regions, which is a cause for concern. This article, focusing on the habitat suitability for saffron cultivation, investigates the environmental factors and their impact on the growth, yield, and quality of this product, using species distribution models. Additionally, the role of human interventions and climate changes in saffron habitat suitability and methods for increasing productivity and sustainability of saffron cultivation are discussed and examined.