Tehran – Iran's Ministry of Agriculture has unveiled major plans to increase domestic legume production, aiming to cultivate 814,000 hectares of land with various legumes in the 2023-2024 agricultural year, targeting a yield of 720,000 tons.

The primary focus for the current year is on chickpeas, lentils, beans, and other legumes like mung beans and broad beans. However, challenges such as climate change, limited infrastructure, and market volatility pose significant obstacles to achieving these goals.

Despite these challenges, Iran has made significant strides in achieving self-sufficiency in producing specific legume varieties, including kabuli chickpeas, broad beans, and mung beans. The annual domestic consumption of legumes is estimated at 792,000 tons.

To support the expansion of legume cultivation, the Ministry is distributing certified seeds, providing subsidized seeds, and organizing training programs for farmers. Additionally, the Ministry is implementing several initiatives to improve productivity, such as shifting cultivation patterns, promoting mechanized farming, and adopting advanced agricultural practices.

By implementing these measures, Iran aims to enhance its legume production, reduce reliance on imports, and ensure food security for its growing population.