Ahvaz - Iran’s sugarcane industry has advanced to the technological forefront by relying on domestic expertise to overcome sanctions, the CEO of the Sugarcane Development and By-Products Company said.

 

Speaking to Khuzestan provincial radio, Mr. Mahmoudi described the sector as a pillar of self-sufficiency, now encompassing a full chain of production, employment, and technology.

 

He said key industrial and agricultural inputs are increasingly produced locally, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.

 

Among major advances is the domestic production of sugarcane seed - traditionally costly and limited to a few countries. Following successful research phases, fully indigenous seeds adapted to Khuzestan’s climate are expected to enter production in the coming years.

 

Productivity has also improved, with some company units approaching 120 tons of cane per hectare, above the global benchmark of 100 tons. By-products are further processed into medical alcohol, yeast, and plant-based CO₂ for beverages, enhancing value addition and product quality.

 

Mahmoudi emphasized that sugar is a strategic commodity, arguing that expanding sugarcane and related industries is essential to ensuring national supply amid external constraints.