Economic Assessment of Ferula assa-foetida Cultivation in the Koochekali Rangeland, South Khorasan, Iran

Abstract

Aims: Ferula assa-foetida is one of the most widely used pasture plants in pharmacy, industry, and traditional medicine. The products of this plant play an important role in the economic prosperity of local exploiting communities by providing adequate economic income. Therefore, this study investigates the role of planting and exploiting the F. assa-foetida plant in increasing the income of local communities in the Koochekali rangeland of Tabas, Iran. Materials & Methods: To conduct this study, we first prepared a plan to improve this rangeland, focusing on constructing curved pits and planting F. assa-foetida in three segments. Then, based on field visits and face-to-face interviews, we determined the number of available plant bases, the number of required curved pits, and the number of cultivable plant bases per ha, and calculated the cost of constructing a pit and planting plants in each segment. Next, based on visits to the region and harvest data from available plant bases, we determined the amount of F. assa-foetida oleo-gum-resin and dried fruit produced during the years of operation. To estimate production income, we used prices for oleo-gum-resin and dried fruit from the South Khorasan Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization and interviews with local communities. Finally, based on projected production and prices for each product, we determined the income for each year of operation and for the entire plan. Findings: The research showed that of the 6311 ha of total pasture area, 1963 ha can be cultivated with the F. assa-foetida plant. Accordingly, in the first, second, seventh, and tenth years, 423.97, 50.97, 158.33, and 789.73 ha of pasture area were allocated to F. assa-foetida cultivation, respectively. Also, after deducting the regeneration rate and exploitation losses, 275580, 384130, 102914, and 513324 harvestable plant bases will be available for exploitation in the mentioned years, respectively. As shown in the results, total cost and revenue are 180617.58 and 1275950.00 Million Rials, respectively, and the plan will be profitable at discount rates ranging from 12% to 24%. Conclusion: Accordingly, planting the medicinal plant F. assa-foetida in the Koochekali rangeland of South Khorasan, Iran, impacts the local community economy by increasing beneficiaries' income and creating sustainable income. If you are trained in the principles of using this plant, you can improve production and continuity of use; by preserving the mother plants and producing seeds and natural propagation, you can create sustainable income in the region for a long time. Of course, droughts and profiteering by non-native actors can destroy and eliminate this valuable plant, which requires urgent attention from the authorities.