The problem of aridity has forced farmers in Qaen to deplete underground water reservoir, which has increased the salinity of water and its salt levels continue to rise year over year due to increase in depth of wells and the saline water is not suitable for cultivating saffron.

However, water shortage and saline water are not the only problems that the farmers must deal with. The main portion of their profit margin is earned by middlemen. In addition, the middlemen put a single price on all products, regardless of the quality of the saffron each farmer is producing.

 

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/423019/Iranian-startup-enchanting-market-Water-friendly-saffron-shopping