Tehran - Iran plans to cut food and agricultural losses by half by 2032 under its National Knowledge-Based Food Security Document, Deputy Agriculture Minister for Planning and Economic Affairs Akbar Fathi said.

 

Speaking at a high-level meeting of agriculture and forestry ministers and senior officials in Türkiye, Fathi said reducing post-harvest losses is essential to strengthening food security and improving supply-chain efficiency.

 

He cited estimates that around 1 billion tons of food and agricultural products are lost globally each year, while FAO data indicate that about 13% of food produced worldwide is lost between harvest and reaching the market.

 

Fathi said Iran’s strategy focuses on upgrading storage and cold-chain infrastructure, supply and distribution networks, and food preservation and packaging technologies.

 

He also highlighted the potential of IoT, sensors, nanotechnology-based coatings and blockchain to improve post-harvest management, demand planning and inventory control.

 

Fathi said Iran is ready to exchange technical expertise, organize scientific cooperation and pursue joint investment in harvesting and packaging equipment with regional partners.

 

The official stressed that geopolitical tensions, climate change, supply-chain disruptions and rising food costs make regional cooperation on reducing food losses increasingly important.