In the pleasant silence of the Behistun evenings, as the sun was setting over the mountains and the cool breeze carried the whispers of nature, little Kourosh's mind had become a relentless workshop for the future of his empire. After deep conversations with Mithradates and mentally reviewing the university debates, he now focused all his attention on integrating modern knowledge with the indigenous wisdom of the ancient Iranians. Agriculture, as the main pillar of the stability of any civilization, was at the center of his thoughts. Kourosh knew well that his thousand-year empire, without food security and the ability to feed its people, would be but a fleeting dream. The arid Iranian plateau, with its climatic challenges and limited resources, had compelled him to create innovative solutions that could turn this land into a center of prosperity.
In the solitude of the night, under the dim light of a torch, Kourosh pondered the management of water, that rare jewel of the Iranian plateau. The qanat system, a masterpiece of ancient Iranian engineering, sparked a ray of hope in his mind. These underground channels, which guided water from the mountain slopes to the dry plains, could, with modern improvements, become the backbone of the empire's agriculture. He recalled the principles of modern hydraulics he had learned in the twenty-first century: designing more precise slopes to reduce water loss, using more resistant ceramic pipes to increase the lifespan of the qanats, and even inventing rainwater storage reservoirs with natural filters for purification. Kourosh intended to compile a comprehensive book on the engineering of qanats that would not only provide construction instructions but also teach farmers methods of maintenance and optimization. This system could turn barren lands into green fields and ensure food stability.
Increasing agricultural productivity was another of Kourosh's main concerns. From his modern knowledge, he remembered techniques such as crop rotation, which, by rotating different crops, prevented soil erosion and preserved its nutrients. For example, the alternating cultivation of wheat, barley, and legumes like lentils or chickpeas could keep the soil rich and increase production. He had also realized the importance of scientific fertilization. While animal manures were common in that era, Kourosh thought of organizing the production and distribution of these fertilizers in a more efficient way. He had an idea for making natural fertilizers using agricultural and animal waste that could be widely used in the fields. These methods, which were commonplace in the twenty-first century, would start a revolution in the ancient world and allow farmers to harvest more produce with fewer resources.
Kourosh also paid special attention to agricultural tools. The plows available in that era were often wooden and primitive, making deep plowing of the soil difficult. Relying on his knowledge of modern mechanics and material science, he had designs for more advanced plows in mind. These plows, with more resistant metal blades and a more ergonomic design, could plow the soil deeper, require less force from oxen or workers, and shorten the planting time. Kourosh planned to set up workshops for making these tools and to include instructions for their use in his book on agriculture. This innovation would not only increase the productivity of the farms but also allow farmers to cultivate more land and reduce the physical fatigue of the workers.
Food diversification was another focus of Kourosh's thinking. He knew that the diet of the ancient Iranians was mainly dependent on wheat, barley, and the meat of sheep and goats, but this dependency could be fragile in the face of drought or livestock diseases. He thought about aquaculture in the rivers and inland lakes, especially in the regions near the Zagros and the Persian Gulf. Fish farming was a sustainable and cheap source of protein that could enrich the Iranian diet. Furthermore, Kourosh considered raising pigs as a fast and high-yield source of meat. He intended to gradually introduce and promote the benefits of these new resources to make food diversity a part of the empire's culture.
Kourosh also valued the role of trade in meeting food and economic needs. The trade network that Aban was expanding could be a bridge for importing grains from Mesopotamia, fruits and spices from India, and even textiles and metals from distant lands. He wanted to design this network in such a way that it would not only supply essential goods but also strengthen local markets. Kourosh intended to prevent price fluctuations and seasonal shortages by creating strategic reserves of grain and essential goods in key cities. This system, inspired by modern economics, could ensure economic and food stability in the empire and prevent rebellions arising from famine.
At the end of the night, Kourosh picked up his New Persian pen and paper and began to write his book on agriculture. This book, which was to be named "The Green Dream," was not just a collection of agricultural techniques but a manifesto for the future of the empire. With every line he wrote, he envisioned a future where green fields, full qanats, and a well-fed and contented populace formed the foundations of his thousand-year empire. Kourosh looked up at the stars above and vowed to himself to turn this dream into reality. This book would shine a light of hope and sustainability not only for Persia but for all the lands under his command.