The Saffron and Barberry Festival was held at Bozorgmehr University of Qaenat October 26, 2024.

According to the university’s public relations office, coinciding with `National Saffron Day`on October 26, 2024, the Saffron and Barberry Festival was held at Bozorgmehr University of Qaenat in the Martyrs of Service Hall, attended by provincial and local officials.

Qaenat County Governor Mohammad Mohammadi highlighted the festival’s purpose: showcasing knowledge-based products, supporting relevant active companies, improving farmers’ livelihoods, promoting marketing strategies, and encouraging educational and eco-tourism initiatives across South Khorasan Province—especially in Qaenat.

Mohammad Hossein Akbari, Acting Head of South Khorasan’s Agricultural Jihad Organization, stated that Qaenat County accounts for approximately 30% of the province’s saffron cultivation area, ranking first in saffron harvest. He emphasized that the county produces some of the highest-quality saffron available in the market.

He emphasized that in order to improve both the quality and quantity of saffron production, knowledge-based companies should be utilized. One reason for the decline in saffron yield in the province is the age of the cultivation fields—exceeding ten years—whereas saffron bulbs must be relocated to new soil after six years.

At the conclusion of the festival, Dr. Hamid Mortezapur, faculty member of the Mechanical Engineering Department, was honored for designing and operating two machines: a solar-powered barberry dryer and a parallel airflow saffron dryer. Dr. Hossein Gholamali Nejad, Head of Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Industry Relations, was also recognized for his significant efforts in fostering collaboration between the university and the saffron and barberry processing industries.

The event also featured performances of epic and traditional music, adding a cultural flair to the celebration.