Iran's agricultural exports rose by 32 per cent in the previous Iranian calendar year, which ended in late March, Agriculture Minister Gholamreza Nouri Qezeljeh said. According to the minister, the sector grew by 5.6 percentage points, moving from a contraction of minus 2.4 per cent to positive growth of 3.2 per cent.
Speaking at the National Conference on the New Crop Year, Nouri said the performance exceeded the 5.5 per cent growth target set under Iran's Seventh National Development Plan. The trade deficit in agriculture narrowed by US$3.0 billion, improving from minus US$11 billion to minus US$8.0 billion. "This is a big step in the economic development of the agricultural sector," he said.
The minister credited farmers' management during drought conditions, noting that food shortages were avoided and domestic demand was met, including during the New Year season, without reliance on public funds.
Several outcomes were highlighted for the latest crop year. Foreign currency demand for basic imports decreased from US$16.4 billion to US$8.0 billion, while debt repayments fell by US$1.0 billion. Sugar output rose by 27 per cent, fish farming increased by 12 per cent, and aquaculture expanded by 27 per cent.
Nouri said Iran is planning for self-sufficiency in tropical fruits, particularly bananas, to reduce import dependency. Distribution of farm inputs in rural and nomadic areas rose by 22 per cent, and the penetration of subsidized inputs among villagers increased by 29 per cent.
Other reported results included a seven per cent increase in raw milk production, a 54 per cent rise in tropical fruit output, a 15 per cent increase in input production, a 69 per cent expansion in insurance coverage, and participation in 230 international events.
Looking ahead, the minister outlined plans for self-sufficiency in meat production and a reduction in reliance on imports. He also emphasized the need to address challenges such as water scarcity through modern technology and improved efficiency in resource management.
Source: Tehran Times