Tehran – Iran's Agriculture Minister Gholamreza Nouri has underscored the importance of fisheries and aquaculture in diversifying the country's protein supply.

Speaking at a recent meeting, Nouri highlighted the significant potential of these sectors to meet domestic protein demands, stimulate exports, and generate foreign currency.

He emphasized the need for increased investment in aquaculture projects, particularly in inland waters, reservoirs, dams, agricultural wells, and along the extensive coastline.

The minister also noted that while the agriculture sector produces a substantial 130 million tons annually, the relatively small contribution of fisheries necessitates a strategic focus on aquaculture to enhance the diversity of protein sources in the Iranian diet.

He further also acknowledged the progress made in localizing aquaculture equipment, such as fish farming cages, emphasizing that Iran's abundant water resources and agricultural infrastructure provide ample opportunities for aquaculture development.