Minister Highlights High Dependence on Food Imports

TEHRAN (Iran News) Nouri Ghezeljeh explained that a large portion of Iran’s foreign currency income from oil exports is used to import essential food items. “These imports require hard currency, which is increasingly difficult to secure,” he said. Despite these challenges, consumption levels of essential commodities like oil and sugar in Iran are about 1.5 to 2 times higher than the global average and even exceed national recommended standards.

The minister pointed to the significant levels of food waste in the country, particularly at the end of the production chain. “The largest volume of waste occurs where food reaches its most valuable, consumable form. This isn’t just wasteful—it directly harms both national and household economies,” he stated.

Calling food waste an economic and ethical issue, Nouri Ghezeljeh emphasized that women, especially those in managerial roles, can play a transformative role in educating society and shaping more sustainable consumption patterns. “Correct consumption isn’t just about preventing waste—it’s about improving public health and reducing healthcare costs,” he added.

He cited medical experts who link overconsumption of oil and sugar to chronic diseases such as heart conditions, diabetes, and strokes. “These goods, which are difficult and costly to procure, are consumed excessively and eventually contribute to rising medical expenses,” he noted.

Nouri Ghezeljeh called on female managers to take an active role in fostering a culture of responsible consumption. “Promoting smarter consumption of oil, sugar, and other staples is not only a national duty but a religious one as well,” he said.

The minister also spoke passionately about food security, calling it the ministry’s top mission. “Food is vital to human life, and today, we see its weaponization in war zones like Gaza, where the enemy uses hunger as a tool of oppression. This is why ensuring food security is more critical than ever,” he warned.

He urged women in leadership positions to adopt strategic thinking, foster innovation, and embrace organizational transformation. “Success as a manager begins with small, creative actions—like saving a single sheet of paper or reducing energy use. These are the seeds of meaningful change,” he explained. “Food Imports ”

Nouri Ghezeljeh emphasized the importance of engaging with professional associations and organizations, saying they serve as both operational and intellectual support systems for government managers.

Addressing gender representation, the minister stressed that women’s participation in agricultural leadership roles is based on merit, not gender quotas. “Women have always played a vital and impactful role in agriculture, especially in rural and nomadic communities. Their presence in leadership positions at the Ministry of Agriculture is due to their capabilities and competence, not simply their gender,” he said.

He noted that, unlike in some other sectors where women’s entry is recent, women’s contributions to agriculture and food production are long-standing. “Go back a few decades, when the line between urban and rural life was more blurred, and you’ll see women playing active roles across society,” he added.

Currently, four to five women serve in senior roles at the ministry, a reflection of a broader trend toward gender-inclusive leadership. “These appointments are not just about representation—they’re about recognizing talent, leadership ability, and organizational loyalty,” he emphasized.