Iran on Track to Become Regional Food Supply Hub

TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking during a meeting with the Supreme Leader’s representative in East Azerbaijan Province, Nouri highlighted the province’s strong private-sector-based economy and its strategic geographic location, which provides a significant advantage for trade and cooperation with northwestern neighboring countries, the Caucasus, and even Europe.

He noted that water scarcity is a growing challenge not only in Iran but also among neighboring countries, adding that water management will be a decisive factor in the future of agricultural development.

“In East Azerbaijan, especially within the Lake Urmia basin, observing environmental considerations and optimizing water consumption are essential,” Nouri stressed.

While acknowledging the province’s agricultural importance, the minister admitted that limited water resources pose serious challenges. “We must simultaneously safeguard food security and preserve our natural resources and environment,” he said.

Nouri announced the establishment of a joint office between the provincial Agriculture Jihad Organization and the University of Tabriz’s Faculty of Agriculture, stating that the 14th government’s strategy is to base all activities on science and university collaboration.

Emphasizing the need for greater efficiency in the agricultural sector, Nouri said, “On average, 1,300 grams of agricultural products are produced per cubic meter of water nationwide, while greenhouse farming can cut this amount by more than half. Some companies even produce one kilogram of crops using only three liters of water — showing how much productivity can increase.”

He continued, “God has granted us the blessing of knowledge, and we must put into practice the ‘We Can’ motto emphasized by the Supreme Leader. Food security holds a special place in our Constitution and has always been a priority for both Imam Khomeini and the Supreme Leader.”

According to the minister, about 15% of Iran’s foreign exchange needs and 20% of the country’s food products by weight are imported — a situation that creates significant pressure on the economy. “Domestic production is therefore both a blessing and a national necessity,” he said.

“Our first step must be to achieve a positive trade balance in the agricultural sector and then move toward self-sufficiency. Despite water limitations, this goal is entirely achievable,” Nouri affirmed.

He pointed out that Iran enjoys unique geographical advantages: “The country connects to the Caspian Sea and its 440-million population market in the north and to the Persian Gulf and international waterways in the south. With north-south and east-west trade corridors and numerous neighbors, Iran has the potential to become the regional hub for food supply.”

“Our plan is to transform Iran into the region’s food supply center,” he explained. “This means importing agricultural raw materials such as oilseeds and grains for processing — including oil extraction and flour production — and then re-exporting them. The country currently has the capacity to import, process, and export more than 20 million tons of goods annually. This strategy would strengthen both our food security and regional economic influence.”

Nouri concluded by emphasizing the pivotal support of the Supreme Leader for the administration: “Without his guidance and backing, managing the country amid sanctions, drought, and multiple crises would have been extremely difficult.”