Khuzestan – Iranian Minister of Agriculture Gholamreza Nouri said his ministry has focused on export-based production and has plans underway to increase both production and exports of agricultural produce.

"Increasing production and exports of products where the country has high capacity and comparative advantage is a priority for the Ministry of Agriculture. Through these exports, we aim to facilitate the import of necessary products,” Nouri, who is accompanying Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian in his visit to the southwestern province of Khuzestan, said on Thursday.

He added that his ministry has developed a strategy to create a positive trade balance in agricultural products.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Minister Nouri referred to the amount of the agricultural products produced in the province’s Karkheh County and said, "Producing half a million tons of various agricultural products is a significant accomplishment."

Addressing the issue of water scarcity, the Iranian minister emphasized the importance of water for both domestic consumption and agriculture. He said, "Providing potable water and agricultural water is a top priority for the people of Karkheh County, and given the current conditions, optimizing water consumption and increasing efficiency in this area is crucial."