Iran seeking to attract private investment in modern
irrigation systems

Iran’s Ministry of Agriculture is planning to attract
private sector investment in the development of modern irrigation systems,
according to the Ministry’s head of Irrigation Systems Development Project.

"In recent years, we have had many programs for the
development of modern irrigation systems, including smart irrigation, in our
agenda. In this regard, using the capacities of knowledge-based companies,
domestic companies, and scientific and research centers, we have implemented
multiple pilot projects in different parts of the country and have achieved
good results in terms of increased yield, reduced irrigation volume, and
increased production in the agricultural sector,” Fereydoun Abbasi told IRNA.

He added, “The development of smart irrigation is a priority
for us as it has been received well among farmers. In this method, using
various software and hardware tools and specifying the time and duration of
irrigation, human error is minimized and efficiency increases
significantly."

Abbasi, saying that the increase in efficiency with the use
of modern irrigation systems depends on various factors, including the
management of the operator, added, "If these systems are used properly,
there is the potential to reduce water consumption by 30 to 40 percent and
increase yield by more than 30 percent. In the end, all of these factors lead
to an increase in the operator's income."

He continued, "Support plans for the development of
modern irrigation systems were provided to operators in the form of low-interest
loans until about 10 years ago, but since then, due to the importance of this
issue in production and food security of the country, these government funds
are provided to operators free of charge."