Tehran – On the occasion of World Food Day, the head of the Center for Agricultural Mechanization and Industries Development, underscored the crucial role of agro-processing and complementary industries as the link between production and consumption, driving efficiency across the agricultural value chain.

 

 Karim Zolfaqari noted that developing processing, packaging, and storage capacities could reduce agricultural waste by up to 50 percent, while also enhancing productivity and creating sustainable employment opportunities.

 

He emphasized that modern technologies, including modified-atmosphere cold storage systems and smart packaging solutions, play a key role in improving product quality and increasing added value.

 

Highlighting the strategic importance of this sector, Zolfaqari described the expansion of mechanization and agro-processing industries as a cornerstone for promoting non-oil exports and ensuring sustainable food security, in line with the knowledge-based economy and the People’s Government’s development agenda.