Tehran – In a significant push toward agricultural self-sufficiency, Iran has launched a nationwide initiative integrating advanced technologies into its greenhouse and aquaculture sectors, an official announced.

 

Amir-Hossein Safargholi, Director of Iran's National Program for Greenhouse and Aquaculture Development, outlined the country's progress during a high-level briefing with the Vice Presidency for Science and Technology.

 

"Our comprehensive approach addresses the entire value chain—from production to processing—ensuring Iran builds a truly sustainable and technologically advanced food system," he said.

 

"We're moving beyond incremental improvements to achieve transformational change in our agricultural sector."

 

The government has launched a major upgrade project in Golestan Province that targets improved shrimp larvae production, potentially increasing yield and quality by 30-40%, Safargholi said.

 

He also pointed to a public-private partnership in Sistan-Baluchestan to implement smart farming systems in shrimp production, with pilot operations beginning in 2025.

 

“A 1,500-ton capacity trout farming value chain is nearing final approval in the north, while a similar southern project focuses on localizing equipment for cage aquaculture,” Safargholi said.

 

He also said a new fisheries complex in Bushehr will combine technological advancement with job creation for low-income coastal communities, serving as a model for coastal development.

 

“Three pilot greenhouse complexes have been selected for tech-driven modernization, fostering partnerships between growers and knowledge-based firms.”

 

Safargholi further referred to a plan for hybrid seed production and said, “It is finalized, with the Agriculture Ministry providing infrastructure. Innovative projects to sustainably cultivate tropical fruits—like bananas—at lower costs are also underway.”

 

"This isn't just about food production—it's about building a knowledge-based economy in our agricultural sector," he emphasized. "Through these measures, we're laying the foundation for long-term food security and economic resilience."