Zari Khanum: A Journey of Perseverance in Saffron Farming
In a small village in eastern Iran, 70-year-old Zari Khanum takes care of her special saffron fields. Farming has been a part of Zari Khanum’s life since she was a child, a tradition passed down through generations. Life has not been easy for her. For many years, she looked after her husband, who was sick and disabled. Two years ago, she lost her husband, and since then, she has continued this journey alone.
Zari Khanum’s children have all moved away, following their own dreams. One of her sons, a nurse, lives in Australia. This makes Zari Khanum feel both hopeful and lonely. She feels proud of her children’s success, but she also misses them a lot.
Despite the challenges, Zari Khanum stays dedicated to her saffron farming. Saffron, also known as “Red Gold,” is a very hard crop to grow. It needs a lot of patience and care. Each harvest season, Zari Khanum carefully picks the delicate saffron threads, a job that needs a lot of attention and dedication.
We met Zari Khanum a few years ago. We were impressed by her strength and the quality of her saffron. We started giving her educational materials to help her improve her farming techniques and take small steps toward more sustainable practices. These materials have helped her get better yields and higher quality saffron.
Zari Khanum’s story is full of ups and downs, of perseverance and solitude. Her journey is similar to many farmers who face both personal and work challenges but keep working for a better future. We are proud to be connected with Zari Khanum, supporting her as she navigates the challenges of saffron farming. Together, we take small steps toward sustainability, making sure her legacy and the tradition of saffron farming continue to thrive.
