Iran Aims for Self-Sufficiency in Meat, Rice, Sugar, Bananas Within Three Years

TEHRAN (Iran News) Nouri praised the cooperation with EIKO and highlighted the success of the “Wheat Production Leap” project in rain-fed areas, attributing its progress to the dedication of Iranian farmers. He revealed that the initiative’s achievements this year are expected to be significant and clearly measurable.

Building on the wheat project, the ministry is now moving into two new strategic areas: increasing domestic production of red meat—particularly from small livestock—and boosting national food security.

Nouri noted that past policies had neglected small-scale and rural livestock farming, with reduced attention to inputs and halted permit issuance. As a result, around 20% of Iran’s meat demand currently relies on imports. The minister said that reversing this trend is now a top priority, guided by the Supreme Leader’s emphasis on joint efforts for production growth.

The ministry’s self-sufficiency plans also include bolstering small-scale rural agricultural units with increased access to resources, technology, and feed, thereby helping to reduce currency outflows and strengthen the national economy.

Nouri also discussed a joint agreement with EIKO to increase domestic rice production. Despite the availability of local capacity, a significant portion of the rice in Iranian markets remains imported. “We believe we can not only meet domestic needs but also enhance trade exchanges,” he said. “We are not against imports or exports, but the country’s basic needs must come first.”

He added that Iran is developing new trade relationships with neighboring countries, members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and regional markets to streamline imports, exports, and agricultural input supply.

“Iran has the potential to become a regional hub for food security,” Nouri declared, stating that achieving self-sufficiency in a commodity does not mean ending trade—it opens opportunities for Iran to support neighboring countries.

On rice production, Nouri noted that research centers are working on more affordable, water-efficient rice strains. Support for these initiatives, including rapid equipment and seed replication, is essential to help farmers increase productivity and profitability.

Turning to sugar, Nouri announced that Iran aims to eliminate sugar imports within three to four years. Efforts are underway to improve sugar beet seed quality and expand autumn beet cultivation. The plan requires both time and investment, including the construction of at least three large-scale sugar factories in northeast, southwest, and western Iran. Some private investors have already committed to projects at various stages of progress.

The minister added that existing sugarcane factories are being upgraded to process sugar beets, and building new facilities is also part of the national self-sufficiency drive.

Nouri also addressed banana imports, which have historically cost Iran $600–700 million annually. With private sector cooperation, Iran hopes to meet domestic demand for bananas through local production within the next 3–4 years, further reducing the need for hard currency outflows.

Finally, he emphasized that the ministry’s efforts are in line with the Supreme Leader’s directive to strengthen national food security. “We have laid out plans and legislation to support this goal and, in some areas, are working to exceed those expectations,” Nouri said.

He concluded by highlighting progress in agricultural trade balance: “By the end of 2024, we improved the sector’s trade deficit from minus $11 billion to minus $8 billion—a $3 billion improvement—indicating enhanced food security for the country.”