Tehran – The Iranian Agriculture Minister said that improving productivity is the only sustainable way to increase agricultural output, strengthen food security, and reduce the sector's trade deficit.

 

Speaking at a meeting of the National Crop Production Headquarters, Gholamreza Nouri stressed that the future of agriculture depends on higher productivity rather than increased imports, subsidies, or government spending.

 

He called for greater adoption of technology, more accurate agricultural data, smarter production planning, and higher yields per hectare.

 

The minister also urged wider use of digital information systems to support data-driven policymaking and said Iran should draw on proven international technologies to accelerate productivity gains.

 

Highlighting water scarcity, Nouri emphasized the need to increase output per unit of water consumed.

 

He noted that potato yields of up to 70 metric tons per hectare have already been achieved in some farms, demonstrating the sector's untapped potential through improved seeds, balanced fertilization, and better farm management.

 

Nouri said recent policy reforms have helped stabilize agricultural production and markets, while describing food security as a strategic national priority that must be achieved through stronger domestic production.

 

He added that high-quality Iranian products, including fruit juice concentrate and milk powder, are well received in international markets and could play a greater role in expanding the country's agricultural exports.