Tehran – Iran’s Deputy Agriculture Minister for Water and Soil called for urgent improvements in water and soil productivity to address climate change, declining rainfall, and limited resources.

 

Speaking at the opening of the National Conference on the New Crop Year on Sunday, Safdar Niazi Shahraki said 3.3 million irrigation systems nationwide need upgrading to smart systems, with costs ranging from 50 to 100 million rials ($100–200) per farmer.

 

“Hundreds of knowledge-based companies are active in implementing these technologies.”

 

He also highlighted the importance of soil management, land suitability, and cropping patterns, emphasizing that expert-driven projects on soil nutrition, salinity, carbon, biodiversity, and data capacity are essential.

 

Niazi identified three key pillars to boost agricultural productivity: modern water and soil management, plant breeding, and extension services, stressing collaboration between government agencies and agricultural education centers to transfer the latest techniques to farmers.