Page 30 - AWA Vol.41-No.4

IrAN AGrICUltUrE EXPort

Agriculture in Iran Market Analysis

he Agriculture In Iran Market size
Tis estimated at USD 34.36 billion
in 2025, and is expected to reach USD
41.40 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 3.8%
during the forecast period (2025-2030).
• In 2023, data from the World Bank
highlighted the significance of farm-
ing in Iran, with the agriculture sector
contributing 13% to the nation's GDP
and employing about 15% of its popu-
lation. According to the Food and Ag- markable 213% surge in value com- This marks a commendable 24% rise in
ricultural Organization (FAO), in 2022, pared to the same period last year. In value and a 32% surge in volume from
Iran's 47 million hectares of agricultural 2023, the USDA noted Iran's pistachio the previous year. Highlighting the sec-
land constituted 27% of its total area. production reached 180,000 metric tor's strength, shrimp exports alone
FAO’s biannual publication, Food Out- tons, securing the nation the 2nd spot crossed the USD 31.3 million mark.
look, noted that in 2023, the country globally and accounting for approxi- • Both the government and private
emerged as the 10th largest grain pro- mately 16.1% of worldwide output. entities are actively working to bolster
ducer in Asia, boasting an output of 19.8 Iran's climate is particularly conducive the country's seafood sector. Strategies
million metric tons. However, the nation to pistachio cultivation. Notably, Kerman in place aim to double breeding pools
is dependent on imports for an addi- province, with its hot, dry summers and and set up expansive shrimp farming
tional 14.9 million metric tons of grain. cool winters, houses about 52% of Iran's facilities. A testament to this collabora-
Notably, Iran holds the third position in pistachio orchards, spanning roughly tive spirit, 12 prominent companies and
grain reserves among Asian countries, 175,000 hectares. While Kerman leads, stakeholders have united to forge a val-
trailing only behind China and India. other provinces such as Khorasan, Yazd, ue chain for caged fish farming in the
China's reserves are a staggering 414 and Semnan also contribute significant- Caspian Sea, targeting an annual pro-
million metric tons and India's stand at ly to the nation's pistachio production. duction of 1,500 metric tons. Technolog-
65 million metric tons. In 2024, Iran's ce- • Wheat stands as Iran's primary cere- ical advancements are further propel-
real reserves reached 11.8 million met- al. USDA data from 2023 highlights Iran's ling the industry's growth. Noteworthy
ric tons, with wheat alone accounting wheat production at 14 million metric projects, such as the introduction of
for 8.8 million metric tons. tons, granting the nation a 1.8% share nanobubble generators, are revolution-
• Despite being the 17th most popu- of global output and a 12th-place rank- izing fish farming. These generators not
lous nation globally, Iran ranks 43rd in ing worldwide. Major wheat-producing only enhance oxygen supply and purify
the world for food imports, underscor- regions in Iran include Khuzestan, Az- wastewater in ponds but also triple fish
ing the untapped potential of its ag- arbaijan, Qom, Isfahan, and Golestan, population density and slash electricity
ricultural sector. The Iranian govern- as reported by the Statistical Centre of use by 70%. Such innovations under-
ment is actively bolstering this sector's Iran. The country's Ministry of Agricul- score the promising future of Iran's sea-
development. For example, they aim ture noted a significant rise in wheat food sector, highlighting both environ-
to expand greenhouse cultivation to production this year, with Golestan, the mental and economic benefits.
48,000 hectares by 2027, anticipating third-largest producer, seeing its output
a surge in fruit and vegetable produc- double, and Isfahan reporting a notable Agriculture In Iran Market News
tion and, consequently, agricultural 98% year-on-year increase highlight- • May 2024: Rama Agriculture and In-
exports. Concurrently, international ing the growth in coming years. dustry Innovation Center has launched
entities such as the United Nations De- Growing Seafood Industry an aquaponics farm in Northern prov-
velopment Program (UNDP), FAO, and ince of Iran. This initiative seeks to en-
the Global Environment Facility (GEF) •With a 2,440 km coastline along the hance food security while judiciously
are aiding Iran's shift towards a more Persian Gulf and Oman Sea, and an ad- conserving essential water and ener-
nature-inclusive agricultural approach. ditional 740 km stretch along the south- gy resources. The farm's diverse out-
The UNDP's Small Grants Program ern part of the Caspian Sea, the Islamic put boasts 1 million orchid seedlings,
(SGP) is financing minor agricultural Republic of Iran stands as the region's 30,000 mature shrubs, 25 tons of estro-
projects, while FAO assists in estab- foremost fishery producer. Bolstered by gen fish, 500 long freshwater shrimps,
lishing research networks and crafting several freshwater resources, Iran's fish- 4 tons of medicinal mushrooms, and a
sustainable agricultural policies. These eries span two major sea areas. They consistent yield of vegetables from its
collaborative efforts signal a promising boast a rich diversity, featuring promi- expansive aquaponics pots.
trajectory for Iran's agricultural market nent demersal and pelagic resources • May 2024: In a groundbreaking
in the years ahead. in marine zones, alongside significant move, Iran's agricultural sector has un-
clupeid fisheries and a prized sturgeon
Agriculture In Iran Market Trends veiled its inaugural 'metaverse' plat-
fishery in the Caspian Sea. The Caspian
Increasing Production of Pistachio and Sea, southern seas, freshwater sources, form, developed in collaboration with
Wheat and aquaculture collectively drive the a knowledge-based firm. This virtual
•\Iranian pistachios dominate the ex- nation's seafood production. As per the space aims to showcase products from
port market. From March to August Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Ad- the Ministry of Agriculture, with aspira-
2024, the Iran Customs Administration ministration (IRICA), Iran's fishery ex- tions for private agricultural companies
(IRICA) reported pistachio exports ports, by the end of May 2024, hit 68,000 to join in and offer their goods.
worth USD 352 million, marking a re- metric tons, valued at USD 138 million. Circle 36 on enquiry card
28 Vol. 41 No. 4