Enhancing Agricultural Eco-efficiency Amid Data Uncertainty: Saffron Farming Insights from a Semi-arid Region

Abstract Over the past decades, the agricultural sector has grappled with significant environmental challenges, notably water and soil pollution. Torbat Heydarieh, a key saffron cultivation hub in Northeast Iran, has been particularly susceptible to numerous pollutants in its production supplies, chiefly within the agricultural domain, accentuated by pivotal water and soil development initiatives. This study delves into evaluating saffron farming’s operational, environmental, and economic efficiency (OPE, ENE, and ECE) through the lens of robust data envelopment analysis (RDEA). Our findings reveal a range of deviations for OPE (0.75–1) and ENE (0.62–1) across different probability levels, indicating a consistently higher OPE relative to ENE. Moreover, our analysis uncovers a trend of input overconsumption among farmers in the study area, underscoring the imperative for restructuring input utilization based on their significance and priority. To address this, we propose targeted interventions including governmental support and extension services geared towards optimizing input usage, alongside the dissemination of tailored extension directives. Such initiatives are crucial for fostering sustainable agricultural practices and bolstering the resilience of saffron farming communities in this semi-arid region.