Tehran - The Iranian government has announced a sweeping initiative to modernize agricultural irrigation, aiming to equip 50% of farmlands with advanced water management systems. The move is designed to tackle drought challenges, enhance water efficiency, and strengthen food security.

 

Agriculture Minister Gholamreza Nouri reported notable progress in the sector, citing a $3 billion improvement in the country’s agricultural trade balance, which narrowed the deficit from $11 billion to $8 billion.

 

He also highlighted a turnaround in growth, with the sector’s performance rising from –2.4% to +3.2% by the end of 2024.

 

Addressing the government’s drought strategy, the minister said the Seventh Development Plan mandates efficient water transfer “with minimal loss directly to crops,” a cornerstone of future sustainability efforts.

 

He further underscored the success of the “Wheat Production Leap” program, which has raised output in rainfed areas from 4.5 million tons to 8 million tons.

 

On agricultural investment, Nouri acknowledged delayed returns across the sector but noted that greenhouse projects typically become profitable within three years.

 

Looking ahead, he confirmed that a new national cropping pattern will be finalized and issued ahead of the 2025–2026 farming season, promising a more comprehensive framework than in previous years.