Ardabil — Iran can reduce its reliance on imports of certain products by expanding domestic production and tapping the full potential of its agricultural and fisheries sectors, the head of the Fisheries Organization said.

 

Hamzeh Rostampour made the remarks at the inauguration of a specialized agricultural industrial park in Ardabil Province, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the supply of essential goods under challenging conditions.

 

He said Iran’s food supply remained stable following the start of the 12-day aggression, with the country avoiding shortages despite the difficult circumstances.

 

“After the removal of the preferential exchange rate, significant volumes of goods were imported, and purchases worth more than 80 trillion tomans were made by consumers. Nevertheless, the market did not experience shortages,” Rostampour said.

 

Although prices of some commodities increased, he added, their availability and supply were maintained.

 

More than 3 million tons of agricultural inputs have also been brought into the country through northern routes in recent months to meet domestic demand, he said.

 

Rostampour also pointed to continued investment in fisheries, saying projects worth more than 14 trillion tomans have been inaugurated in the sector. Fishing operations continued throughout the 12-day aggression and were not halted, he added.

 

Rostampour said Ardabil Province has the capacity to produce 100,000 tons of aquatic products annually, stressing that the potential extends beyond conventional fish and shrimp production.

 

He identified leech farming and ornamental fish production as other areas with significant development potential that could contribute to foreign-exchange earnings.

 

“By increasing domestic production, we will eventually be able to reduce our dependence on imports of certain products and meet the country’s needs through domestic capacities,” Rostampour said.