Iran (IMNA) - The agriculture sector has always been a vital component of the Iranian economy, contributing significantly to its growth and development. However, in recent years, the sector has faced a major setback due to drought conditions. This unfortunate situation has hindered the anticipated progress and prevented the agriculture sector from reaching its full potential.
In response, the Agriculture Ministry has implemented various measures and programs aimed at addressing this issue, with a particular focus on improving irrigation systems.
One significant program being pursued by the ministry is the development of greenhouses throughout the country. The development of greenhouses in Iran holds great potential for promoting its agriculture and economy. Greenhouses provide controlled environments that allow farmers to cultivate crops throughout the year, regardless of the external climate. This technology is particularly valuable in a country like Iran, where extreme temperatures and arid conditions pose challenges to traditional farming methods.
In late April, the managing director of Iran's Agricultural Parks Company (APC) announced plans to establish 1,000 hectares of new greenhouses within the agricultural parks during the current Iranian calendar year, which ends on March 20, 2021.
According to Ali-Ashraf Mansouri, this initiative will not only generate new employment opportunities but also contribute to the growth of non-oil exports and the preservation of the environment, as well as national water and soil resources.
To support the development of agricultural parks across the country, Iran has allocated 8.3 trillion rials (approximately $197.6 million) in facilities during the previous Iranian year. These funds have been utilized for the construction and enhancement of various agricultural parks, including greenhouses, aquaculture facilities, and livestock and poultry breeding centers.
These supportive measures have yielded positive results, leading to the creation and expansion of more greenhouses. According to an official from the Agriculture Ministry, a total of 1,476 hectares of greenhouses and shade houses have been established and developed in Iran during the first five months of the current Iranian calendar year, spanning from March 20 to August 21.
In a recent statement, Mohammad-Ali Tahmasbi, the deputy agriculture minister for gardening affairs, provided an update on the development of greenhouses in Iran. Tahmasbi revealed that out of the total area mentioned, 761.9 hectares were dedicated to the expansion of existing greenhouses and shade houses, while 714.1 hectares were newly constructed.
Furthermore, Iran has set ambitious plans to establish an additional 2,500 hectares of greenhouses within the country during the current Iranian calendar year, which is known as the "Surge in Production" year. Habib Radfar, the operator of the greenhouse development plan, confirmed this target and highlighted that it would bring the total greenhouse area in Iran to 4,600 hectares.
Radfar also mentioned that out of the projected 2,500 hectares for this year, approximately 1,200 hectares would be completed within the current year but put into operation during the first half of the following year (March 21-September 21, 2021).
These developments in greenhouse infrastructure are expected to contribute significantly to Iran's agricultural sector, with a projected production of 5,000 tons of fruits and vegetables within the greenhouses this year. It is worth noting that 80 percent of the country's greenhouse produce is exported, emphasizing the importance of boosting agricultural exports in line with Iran's strategy to diversify its non-oil exports.
The development of greenhouses in Iran has the capacity to revolutionize its agriculture sector and boost the economy. By harnessing this technology, Iran can overcome climatic challenges, increase crop yields, create employment opportunities, and contribute to sustainable farming practices. It is an investment that holds immense promise for the future of Iranian agriculture and its economy.
The expansion of greenhouses not only ensures stable production of high-quality agricultural products but also serves as an effective measure to combat drought and optimize water resources. Consequently, the development of greenhouses is considered a fruitful step towards achieving these goals and promoting sustainable agriculture in Iran.
Iran's recognition of the urgent need for greenhouse development aligns with its commitment to bolster domestic production and enhance non-oil exports. As the country pursues self-reliance, it acknowledges the importance of adopting successful strategies from nations that have made remarkable advancements in greenhouse technology.
To achieve these objectives, Iran is implementing various supportive measures. However, it is crucial for Iran to learn from the experiences of countries that have excelled in greenhouse cultivation. By studying their achievements and progress in this field, Iran can effectively optimize its own greenhouse practices.
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