Tehran – The Iranian government has plans underway to increase support for rural women's businesses, a senior official announced.

Dr. Tahereh Ghayoomi, the Ministry of Agriculture's Adviser on Women and Family Affairs, said on Tuesday that rural and nomadic women play a pivotal role not only in the family welfare but also in the country’s sustainable development.

Supporting marketplaces run by women in order to be able to export their products has also been put on the agenda, she added.

The adviser emphasized that “consultative working groups will be formed with other sectors related to cooperatives and rural women's funds, and targeted programs will be implemented to develop home-based businesses for rural women.”