Authors
1 Researcher, Agricultural Engineering Research Department, Golestan Agricultural and Natural, Resources Research Center, AREEO, Gorgan, Iran
2 Agricultural Engineering Research Department, Golestan Agricultural and Natural, Resources Research Center, AREEO, Gorgan, Iran
3 Agricultural Engineering Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran.
Abstract
Golestan Province, with its rich biodiversity and diverse climatic conditions, possesses significant potential for the cultivation and exploitation of medicinal plants. However, challenges such as the shortage of active factories, obstacles within the value chain, and infrastructural limitations highlight the necessity of identifying optimal locations for establishing these industries. This study was conducted with the aim of optimally locating medicinal plant processing industries within Golestan Province. The research method was designed in a combined and analytical manner to identify the counties with priority for the establishment of such industries. In addition to economic and infrastructural criteria, environmental constraints were also considered in this study. To ensure foresight in sustainable development, potential scenarios of climate change and water resource availability were included in the analysis. The results indicated that factors such as market accessibility, supply of raw materials, transportation infrastructure, and availability of skilled workforce exert the greatest influence on the location of medicinal plant processing industries. Moreover, counties with suitable lands and efficient transportation networks were identified as high-priority options for development.
The final analysis demonstrated that strengthening industrial infrastructure, attracting private-sector investment, and creating processing clusters could pave the way for sustainable development and increase the added value within the medicinal plant production chain. Findings revealed that the counties of Galikesh, Azadshahr, and Maraveh-Tappeh were identified as top-priority areas for establishing medicinal plant processing industries.
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