Iran’s agricultural production reached 137 million tonnes in the past crop year, with higher yields per hectare driving growth across the sector, Deputy Agriculture Minister for Crop Production Majid Anjafi says.
The figure is up from around 130 million tonnes previously, according to Anjafi. The official describes the result as an important achievement for Iranian farmers and the agricultural sector. The figures are reported by
Tehran Times, a partner of TV BRICS.
Crop production accounts for around 70–75 per cent of Iran’s total agricultural output, depending on the year. Overall, domestic agriculture currently meets about 85 per cent of the country’s food needs.
Wheat production is also reaching a record level. Iran harvests 14.1 million tonnes of wheat, the highest figure in the country’s history, Anjafi says. The growth in agricultural and horticultural production is supported by cooperation between farmers, researchers, experts and agricultural managers.
The Ministry of Agriculture is focusing on further productivity gains through research, technology and the development of crop varieties adapted to local conditions. Anjafi says Iran is also pursuing a five-year vision that includes expanding the production of cereals, oilseeds, fodder crops and medicinal plants.
Oilseed production is set to become one of the sector’s priorities, with the authorities targeting output of 600,000 tonnes. The programme is intended to make better use of existing agricultural capacity while supporting the development of domestic production.
The latest results highlight the growing role of productivity, agricultural research and modern cultivation methods in expanding Iran’s food production capacity.