TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking on Saturday at the inauguration ceremony of the Agricultural Product Irradiation Center in Ardabil, Nouri Qazeljeh stated that the economic viability of agricultural production depends on ensuring that farmers can sell their products at fair market prices. He noted that sustainable agricultural production is crucial to achieving national food security and supporting the livelihoods of hardworking farmers.

“Products and produce from Iranian farmers must be sold at real, fair prices,” he said. “Only then can we ensure that agricultural production remains economically feasible and that our producers can continue their vital role in securing the nation’s food supply.”

The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to food security as a national and constitutional priority, echoing the guidance of the late Imam Khomeini and repeated emphasis by the Supreme Leader on ensuring a secure food system.

“The 14th government and the Ministry of Agriculture are determined to elevate the country’s food security to its highest possible level,” he said. “In this mission, our top priority is to support production and the producers themselves.”

Nouri Qazeljeh stressed that the Ministry of Agriculture has focused its efforts over the past year on supporting small-scale, rural, and village-based agriculture, while paying attention to the entire production chain. He added that every policy, regulation, and pricing strategy implemented during this period has been designed with the goal of empowering producers and sustaining domestic production.

“In the past year, it’s rare to find a major agricultural product that has faced a severe market crisis,” he noted. “That’s because we believe that both production and producers must remain strong to maintain national food security.”

The minister also outlined several key challenges affecting agricultural productivity in Iran, including climate change, water scarcity, limited natural resources, and soil erosion. He expressed the government’s determination to confront these obstacles through the application of modern science and technology — including nuclear innovations.

“We are committed to increasing production despite limited resources, drought, and climatic challenges,” he said. “This can only be achieved through the application of advanced science and technology, and through the use of nuclear knowledge.”

According to Nouri Qazeljeh, nuclear science contributes to agriculture in many areas — from genetic and crop improvement, to pest and disease control, food irradiation, and post-harvest storage and preservation.

“This technology can play a crucial role at every stage — from breeding improved plant varieties to reducing spoilage and losses after harvest,” he said. “It is a clear example of how peaceful nuclear technology directly benefits our farmers and our food supply.”

He expressed gratitude toward the scientists and specialists of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, acknowledging their valuable contributions to agricultural advancement.

“We in the Ministry of Agriculture, along with farmers’ cooperatives and agricultural associations, warmly welcome and deeply appreciate the valuable work of our nuclear scientists,” Nouri Qazeljeh said. “We hope that by expanding the use of nuclear technology in agriculture, we can achieve full self-sufficiency in food production and ensure 100 percent national food security.”

Highlighting Ardabil’s agricultural potential, the minister praised the province’s annual production of more than 700,000 tons of potatoes, noting that it not only meets domestic demand but also serves as a key export hub for the crop.

“The irradiation initiative led by the Atomic Energy Organization in Ardabil’s potato sector is highly valuable,” he said. “It improves storage, reduces contamination, and paves the way for expanded exports — a major boost for the province’s farmers and economy.”

According to IRNA, although Ardabil Province accounts for less than one percent of Iran’s total land area, it produces about four percent of the nation’s agricultural output — nearly 4.5 million tons annually. The province grows more than 400,000 tons of wheat, 750,000 tons of potatoes, and 450,000 tons of fruit each year.

Currently, about 750,000 hectares of Ardabil’s farmland are under cultivation, including 270,000 hectares of irrigated land and 480,000 hectares of rain-fed farmland. This year, wheat was planted across 275,000 hectares, making it the province’s largest crop.

In past years, Ardabil’s wheat production reached up to 600,000 tons, but prolonged drought, irregular rainfall, and adverse weather conditions have reduced yields by more than 50 percent over the last two years.

Ardabil Province, with 12 counties, is located in northwestern Iran, and remains one of the country’s most important agricultural centers — a key player in Iran’s ongoing effort to achieve food independence.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking at a meeting of senior officials at the Iranian Fisheries Organization, part of the Ministry of Agriculture Jihad, Nouri Ghezeljeh highlighted recent national defense achievements and underlined the ministry’s responsibility to ensure food security for the population.

“Our foremost duty is to guarantee food security for our people,” he said. “The Ministry of Agriculture Jihad will mobilize all its resources to fulfill this mission.”

The minister stressed that supporting domestic production remains critical, especially in the current climate of external pressures. “The most significant aspect of passive defense lies in strengthening local production so we can meet the nation’s food demands through our own capabilities,” he explained.

Paying tribute to the memory of national martyrs, Nouri Ghezeljeh also pointed to the fisheries sector’s vital role in food security. “Today, everyone recognizes the importance of food security. Fisheries are a main provider of protein for society, and their development and support for local producers are among the ministry’s top priorities,” he added.

Acknowledging the recent efforts to invigorate the fisheries sector, the minister praised the new leadership at the Iranian Fisheries Organization. “The organization’s new head has shown an understanding of its mission and significance, and the steps taken so far are commendable,” he said.

Nouri Ghezeljeh announced plans to hold a dedicated meeting soon with senior fisheries managers. “This session will offer a more focused review of the challenges in the fisheries field and explore practical solutions for its development,” he noted.

Hamzeh Rostampour, head of the Iranian Fisheries Organization, emphasized the sector’s central role in ensuring food security and boosting economic growth. “Fisheries are the backbone of livelihoods in underprivileged regions and a vital source of foreign currency,” he said.

Reflecting on the sector’s performance during a recent 12-day national crisis, Rostampour credited coordinated planning over the past nine months for the ministry’s effective response. “The satisfaction expressed by citizens and officials shows the results of sustained effort and planning,” he remarked.

He identified three key lessons learned from the crisis: “First, the broad solidarity and unity among people; second, the necessity of ongoing attention to production issues; and third, the undeniable role of food in safeguarding national security.”

“Food forms the foundation of a country’s security, making comprehensive support for agriculture essential,” Rostampour stressed.

He also noted that fisheries go beyond just fish production, describing them as integral to the nation’s economy, society, and food security. “By utilizing resources like saltwater, barren lands, and coastal areas, fisheries generate valuable protein and income,” he explained.

Rostampour highlighted the sector’s efficiency, noting that it produces high yields of animal protein with minimal water consumption. “With 20,000 fishing vessels, 500 processing and value-added factories, and over 260,000 aquaculture farmers and fishers active in the industry, fisheries significantly improve livelihoods in border and underdeveloped areas,” he said.

The head of the fisheries organization revealed that a comprehensive guide to provincial fisheries capacities has been prepared to attract investors. He also noted that incomplete and inactive projects have been identified, and strategic fisheries task forces have been set up in coastal provinces under the leadership of provincial governors.

Among strategic plans, Rostampour listed the expansion of caviar fish cage farming, support for deep-sea fishing, and cooperation with the armed forces to enhance the sustainable use of marine resources.

He added that the foreign currency needs of the Ministry’s Trade and Commerce Deputy could be fully met by seafood exports if the necessary frameworks are in place.

Finally, Rostampour pointed to the potential of Chabahar in shrimp farming and its planned expansion into coastal villages. “Our aim is to increase efficiency in water and land use and transform production through structural reforms,” he concluded.

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In the meeting, UAE Ambassador Mr. Al Zaabi termed Iran as an important trade partner of his country and emphasized the UAE government’s determination for boosting trade with Iran.

Meanwhile Mr. Peyman-Pak reiterated that the UAE is one of Iran’s trade partners and pointed to appointing a commercial attache by Iran for the UAE. He noted that soon the commercial attache will be settled in the UAE while Iran’s trade center has recently been activated in Dubai and it is busy with the commercial affairs and helping traders of both states.

He then pointed to the co-operations and joint investments of both states, adding that this investment can be done in the field of agro products and food security on Iran’s land, or production of these products in the third party country as well as cooperation in producing medicines and medical equipment.

The UAE Ambassador then welcomed Peyman-Pak’s suggestions for pursuing these issues and transferring them to the UAE government.

Then both sides reviewed the way of using and investment of the UAE in the South-North Corridor, implementing joint projects, removing hurdles in way of monetary and banking transactions and transit of goods on route of Turkey-Iran and the UAE.

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Iran’s Minister of Agriculture Jihad Kazem Khavazi said on Tuesday that the government would guarantee to buy wheat from farmers at 50,000 rials ($0.28) per kilogram this season.

The price is double the rate used by the government for guaranteed purchase during the last harvest season, Khavazi told reporters as he defended his ministry’s policy on guaranteed purchase of strategic crops.

The minister said this year’s price would encourage farmers to expand area dedicated to wheat in the autumn cultivation season.

He described it as “the pillar of agriculture” in Iran, saying double increase in wheat price would encourage more farming of rice and sugarcane, the two other crops designated by the government as key to food security in Iran.

The Iranian government would buy up to 8.25 million tons from an expected output of 12 million tons of locally produced wheat this year, said Khavazi, adding that some 412.5 trillion rials ($1.725 billion) would be spent on the guaranteed purchase scheme, double the amount spent last year.

Wheat cultivation is responsible for nearly 80 percent of dry farming in Iran while the crop is also cultivated in a significant portion of irrigated lands across the country.

Khavazi said the government would continue to support local farmers in the years to come despite its policy to keep imports from Russia and other countries.

“Iranians receive some 42% of the protein they need from wheat which is a considerable figure,” he said.

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“Farmers provide a major part of security in the society,” he said during a meeting with Agriculture Jihad Minister Mahmoud Hojati and other senior managers of the ministry.

He added, “When we use the word security, military capabilities come to mind, but a major part of the society’s security is being provided by farmers.”

Farmers who provide the people with food bring security to the country, he said, praising efforts being made by farmers.

He noted that the government is duty bound to guarantee the financial security of farmers.

It is the duty of the government to make farmers feel secure, because they play a very important role in providing security in the country, he noted.

Rouhani also attached great importance to self-sufficiency in the area of agriculture.

“We should stand on our feet in providing food and produce what we need in Iran’s farmlands,” he said.

Elsewhere, Rouhani said that the government and people are duty bound to protect soil, water, grassland, and forests in the country.

He also noted that efforts should be made in line with reducing water consumption.

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