Minister says agricultural exports up by 35%
Iran’s agricultural exports have increased by more than 35% over the first nine months of the Iranian calendar year (March 20-December 19, 2024) compared to the same period last year, according to the minister of agriculture.
Speaking at a meeting of the Supreme Council of Provinces on Thursday, Gholamreza Nouri-Qezeljeh said various agricultural projects worth over 25 trillion tomans, which created 114,000 jobs, will be inaugurated during Ten-Day Dawn ceremonies marking the anniversary of 1979 Islamic Revolution from February 1 to 11.
Nouri-Qezeljeh acknowledged the significant progress in rural services since the Revolution but stressed that the dignity of the people demands even greater efforts to provide the best possible services.
The minister noted that previously, agricultural products often went unsold and spoiled, but now, through strategic planning, these products are being exported and converted into revenue as efforts have been focused on reducing waste and facilitating exports.
He emphasized that each product is subject to specific policies, backed by thorough planning. For instance, despite claims of pistachio sanctions, exports have more than doubled, reflecting deliberate efforts rather than chance.
Nouri-Qezeljeh also addressed the reduction in imports of tea and rice, attributing it to policies that prioritize domestic production.
Importers are now required to purchase from local producers before receiving export quotas, he said while defending these policies and noted that they have benefited farmers, including saffron producers, who have been able to sell their products at fair prices.
The minister highlighted the settlement of farmers’ debts over the past three years, including payments to wheat, canola, and soybean farmers. For the first time, the government’s share of tea farmers’ claims was settled on time. Nouri-Qezeljeh stressed the importance of supporting producers while ensuring market stability and protecting consumers’ interests.