Tehran – The Iranian Minister of Agriculture has issued a rallying cry for a transformative shift in the country's agricultural sector, emphasizing the critical role of elite groups and innovative technology in achieving the ambitious goals set out in the Seventh Development Plan.

In a meeting with leading agricultural experts, Minister Gholamreza Nouri underscored the urgent need to transition towards a knowledge-based agricultural model, given the twin pressures of limited resources and soaring food demand.

He stressed that the future of Iranian agriculture hinges on the ingenuity and expertise of its brightest minds.

"We are faced with a formidable challenge: to increase agricultural production while preserving our precious natural resources," Minister declared. "The solution lies in harnessing the power of technology and tapping into the wealth of knowledge and experience possessed by our agricultural experts."

The minister outlined a vision for a more sustainable and efficient agricultural sector, advocating for a shift towards vertical farming and the adoption of advanced water-saving technologies.

He called for the development of cost-effective greenhouses and the widespread implementation of innovative irrigation practices.

To foster a fertile environment for innovation and talent, Minister Nouri pledged to create incentives and policies that attract and retain the brightest minds in the field.

While acknowledging the limitations imposed by existing regulations, he reaffirmed his commitment to exploring ways to provide greater support and recognition to agricultural experts.

In the meeting, agricultural experts shared their insights and concerns, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach to tackle the sector's challenges. Their contributions underscored the importance of a strong partnership between government, academia, and industry in driving agricultural transformation.