Ilam – The western Ilam Province has reached self-sufficiency in major strategic agricultural products and now produces nearly three times its domestic demand for wheat, according to the head of the Ilam Agriculture Organization.

 

Speaking at a meeting of the Provincial Administrative Council attended by Agriculture Minister Gholamreza Nouri and senior officials, Habibollah Rad said the province produced more than 430,000 tons of wheat in 1403 (2024/25), securing third place nationwide.

 

He noted that Ilam is among Iran’s leading provinces in the production of wheat, poultry meat, milk, and narcissus flowers.

 

“Poultry output is two to three times higher than local demand, with daily production of about 50 tons. The province fully meets its milk requirements, reports favorable conditions in red meat production, and ranks first nationally in narcissus flower cultivation.”

 

The official attributed these achievements to major infrastructure investments, particularly large-scale national projects in water and soil management.

 

“Key initiatives include the development of agricultural lands in the Khuzestan–Ilam plains over approximately 50,000 hectares and the expansion of secondary irrigation networks under the Warm Region Irrigation Scheme, which have driven growth in both production and employment.”

 

Rad also pointed to strong investment potential in greenhouse farming, noting that feasibility studies for 300 hectares of greenhouse projects have been completed.

 

Concluding his remarks, the senior official emphasized the importance of supporting downstream agricultural projects, including a sugar factory, oil extraction plant, livestock and poultry slaughterhouses, and a breeder-hen farm, saying such projects would play a key role in sustainable development and job creation in Ilam Province.