Tehran – Iran is countering external pressures through a threefold strategy of bolstering domestic production, maintaining strategic reserves, and activating secure trade routes, while deepening economic and political ties with allied nations, particularly China, the Minister of Agriculture said.

 

In a wide-ranging press briefing, Gholamreza Nouri detailed the ministry's approach to safeguarding national food security and agricultural resilience, emphasizing that close cooperation with neighboring and aligned countries is an integral component of the broader effort to neutralize threats.

 

China a Key Strategic Partner

 

Singling out China as a steadfast ally, Nouri stated that Beijing's support during Iran's most challenging times would not be forgotten. "Countries like China, which stood by Iran through difficult days, will continue to receive special consideration in our future economic and political engagements," he affirmed.

 

Imported Wheat Under Strict Oversight

 

Addressing concerns over the quality of imported wheat, Nouri assured that all shipments undergo rigorous inspection by multiple regulatory authorities, including the National Standards Organization and the Food and Drug Administration. "No shipment is cleared unless it fully complies with the required standards," he emphasized.

 

The minister explained that the State Trading Company conducts mandatory sampling throughout the import process, with all specifications communicated to buyers upfront. At entry points, additional sampling and oversight are performed by supervisory agencies. He also noted that bread quality is influenced not only by grain standards but also by technical factors and the baking process itself.

 

Agricultural Diplomacy Maintained Despite Wartime Conditions

 

Reflecting on the ministry's diplomatic outreach during the recent conflict, Nouri revealed that Iran successfully preserved its international presence and agricultural engagements despite wartime constraints. Senior officials continued to travel abroad to pursue bilateral and multilateral agendas.

 

"We held talks with roughly 15 agriculture ministers and several other high-ranking officials from various nations," Nouri said. "Our objective was to clearly convey the realities of the imposed war and the conditions forced upon Iran." He added that many foreign counterparts expressed admiration for the Iranian people's extraordinary resilience and endurance.

 

1,925 Agricultural Projects Set to Launch During Government Week

 

On the domestic front, Nouri announced that 1,925 agricultural projects will be officially inaugurated nationwide during Government Week, underscoring the ministry's ongoing commitment to infrastructure development and rural economic growth.

 

Justice-Oriented Development Document Prioritizes Underserved Regions

 

In a key policy announcement, the minister revealed that the 14th administration, acting on the president's directive, has placed the drafting of a justice-oriented development document for the agricultural sector at the forefront of its agenda.

 

"The document is designed to channel greater attention to deprived and underprivileged areas, with a clear goal of achieving balanced development across the country," Nouri explained. He singled out Hormozgan Province as the top priority under this framework, stating that it will receive the highest level of focus in the upcoming development push.