Significant developments are underway within Iran's agricultural sector, as the country reports notable increases in both import and export activities. During remarks made prior to Friday prayers, Gholamreza Nourizadeh Qazaljeh, the Minister of Agriculture, outlined the government’s achievements and strategies aimed at enhancing food security and supporting economic stability amid political tensions.
Nourizadeh emphasized the necessity of proactive governmental efforts to address the pressing challenges faced by farmers and the broader agricultural community. "This government, with the slogan of honesty and respect for the authority, aims to leverage all the capacities of the country and interact with other branches to provide unyielding service to the public," he stated, highlighting the administration's commitment to actionable governance and transparency.
A remarkable feature of the sector's recent performance has been its growth rate of 3.3% this year, making it one of the highest among various economic sectors, just following oil. Nourizadeh noted, "We have achieved 35% growth in the agricultural export sector," showcasing significant progress after years of economic sanctions and challenges.
One of the core focus areas for the government has been ensuring self-sufficiency, particularly concerning wheat production. Nourizadeh reassured citizens about the fulfillment of agricultural payments to farmers, which totaled more than 120 trillion IRR (Iranian Rials). He cited the resolution of 132 trillion IRR of outstanding debts from previous administrations, underlining the government’s efforts to revive financial support for the agricultural domain.
Addressing market control, the Minister detailed plans for regulating agricultural product prices. He revealed the government is committed to stabilizing prices of key staples such as corn and soybean meal, which are pivotal to dairy and protein production. Nourizadeh remarked, "Despite significant fluctuations and political tensions, most agricultural products have exhibited relatively stable prices or reasonable increases."
Responding to concerns over potential shortages, Nourizadeh provided reassurance about maintaining adequate strategic reserves of food supplies, especially as the country approaches the new year and the month of Ramadan. He noted, "We've ensured there's ample stock of strategic goods for the upcoming months without any issues," indicating the proactive measures the government has undertaken to avert any supply chain disruptions.
Conversely, he acknowledged occasional volatility affecting specific commodities, but expressed confidence over the government's capacity to manage these situations effectively. Plans are reportedly underway to expand relations with neighboring countries for mutual food security needs, reflecting the government’s broader agenda of enhancing regional cooperation.
Nourizadeh's remarks came as part of his broader commitment to restoring the trust of farmers and ensuring their rights. He highlighted efforts to expedite the issuance and renewal of permits for agricultural activities, aiming to alleviate bureaucratic delays which have historically hindered growth.
He also tackled the issue of land ownership disputes, assuring the public of swift progress on disputes between citizens and governmental bodies. This aligns with the government's aim to minimize litigation and promote a clearer relationship between the state and farmers, reinforcing the notion of land rights and responsible stewardship.
Overall, the Minister’s address illustrated the strides made by Iran’s agricultural sector, highlighting its pivotal role as the economy looks to stabilize amid external pressures. The government’s strategies aim not only to bolster food security but also to create a resilient agricultural economy capable of adapting to both domestic and international demands.
Through comprehensive policies, including renewed banking facilities for agricultural equipment, and ensuring fair market practices, the Iranian government seeks to maintain steady growth and self-reliance, ensuring the well-being of its citizens.
With these developments, Iran’s agricultural industry is poised for sustained growth, thanks to government initiatives focusing on transparency, accountability, and strengthening the ties within the international supply chain.