Agriculture In Iran Market Analysis
The Agriculture In Iran Market size is 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 farming in Iran, with the agriculture sector contributing 13% to the nation's GDP and employing about 15% of its population. According to the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), in 2022, Iran's 47 million hectares of agricultural land constituted 27% of its total area. FAO’s biannual publication, Food Outlook, noted that in 2023, the country emerged as the 10th largest grain producer in Asia, boasting an output of 19.8 million metric tons. However, the nation is dependent on imports for an additional 14.9 million metric tons of grain. Notably, Iran holds the third position in grain reserves among Asian countries, trailing only behind China and India. China's reserves are a staggering 414 million metric tons and India's stand at 65 million metric tons. In 2024, Iran's cereal reserves reached 11.8 million metric tons, with wheat alone accounting for 8.8 million metric tons.
- Despite being the 17th most populous nation globally, Iran ranks 43rd in the world for food imports, underscoring the untapped potential of its agricultural sector. The Iranian government is actively bolstering this sector's development. For example, they aim to expand greenhouse cultivation to 48,000 hectares by 2027, anticipating a surge in fruit and vegetable production and, consequently, agricultural exports. Concurrently, international entities such as the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), FAO, and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) are aiding Iran's shift towards a more nature-inclusive agricultural approach. The UNDP's Small Grants Program (SGP) is financing minor agricultural projects, while FAO assists in establishing research networks and crafting sustainable agricultural policies. These collaborative efforts signal a promising trajectory for Iran's agricultural market in the years ahead.
Agriculture In Iran Market Trends
Increasing Production of Pistachio and Wheat
- Iranian pistachios dominate the export market. From March to August 2024, the Iran Customs Administration (IRICA) reported pistachio exports worth USD 352 million, marking a remarkable 213% surge in value compared to the same period last year. In 2023, the USDA noted Iran's pistachio production reached 180,000 metric tons, securing the nation the 2nd spot globally and accounting for approximately 16.1% of worldwide output. Iran's climate is particularly conducive to pistachio cultivation. Notably, Kerman province, with its hot, dry summers and cool winters, houses about 52% of Iran's pistachio orchards, spanning roughly 175,000 hectares. While Kerman leads, other provinces such as Khorasan, Yazd, and Semnan also contribute significantly to the nation's pistachio production.
- Wheat stands as Iran's primary cereal. USDA data from 2023 highlights Iran's wheat production at 14 million metric tons, granting the nation a 1.8% share of global output and a 12th-place ranking worldwide. Major wheat-producing regions in Iran include Khuzestan, Azarbaijan, Qom, Isfahan, and Golestan, as reported by the Statistical Centre of Iran. The country's Ministry of Agriculture noted a significant rise in wheat production this year, with Golestan, the third-largest producer, seeing its output double, and Isfahan reporting a notable 98% year-on-year increase highlighting the growth in coming years.
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Growing Seafood Industry
- With a 2,440 km coastline along the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea, and an additional 740 km stretch along the southern part of the Caspian Sea, the Islamic Republic of Iran stands as the region's foremost fishery producer. Bolstered by several freshwater resources, Iran's fisheries span two major sea areas. They boast a rich diversity, featuring prominent demersal and pelagic resources in marine zones, alongside significant clupeid fisheries and a prized sturgeon fishery in the Caspian Sea. The Caspian Sea, southern seas, freshwater sources, and aquaculture collectively drive the nation's seafood production. As per the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration (IRICA), Iran's fishery exports, by the end of May 2024, hit 68,000 metric tons, valued at USD 138 million. This marks a commendable 24% rise in value and a 32% surge in volume from the previous year. Highlighting the sector's strength, shrimp exports alone crossed the USD 31.3 million mark.
- Both the government and private entities are actively working to bolster the country's seafood sector. Strategies in place aim to double breeding pools and set up expansive shrimp farming facilities. A testament to this collaborative spirit, 12 prominent companies and stakeholders have united to forge a value chain for caged fish farming in the Caspian Sea, targeting an annual production of 1,500 metric tons. Technological advancements are further propelling the industry's growth. Noteworthy projects, such as the introduction of nanobubble generators, are revolutionizing fish farming. These generators not only enhance oxygen supply and purify wastewater in ponds but also triple fish population density and slash electricity use by 70%. Such innovations underscore the promising future of Iran's seafood sector, highlighting both environmental and economic benefits.
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Agriculture In Iran Market News
- May 2024: Rama Agriculture and Industry Innovation Center has launched an aquaponics farm in Northern province of Iran. This initiative seeks to enhance food security while judiciously conserving essential water and energy resources. The farm's diverse output boasts 1 million orchid seedlings, 30,000 mature shrubs, 25 tons of estrogen fish, 500 long freshwater shrimps, 4 tons of medicinal mushrooms, and a consistent yield of vegetables from its expansive aquaponics pots.
- May 2024: In a groundbreaking move, Iran's agricultural sector has unveiled its inaugural 'metaverse' platform, developed in collaboration with a knowledge-based firm. This virtual space aims to showcase products from the Ministry of Agriculture, with aspirations for private agricultural companies to join in and offer their goods.
Agriculture In Iran Industry Segmentation
Agriculture is the practice of growing crops. The report on Iran's agriculture sector offers a comprehensive overview of the country's agricultural landscape. It categorizes the analysis by crop types, including food crops, cash crops, fruits & vegetables, and livestock. Each segment delves into parameters such as production (volume), consumption (value and volume), exports (value and volume), imports (value and volume), and price trends. Market sizes for all segments are presented in terms of USD for value and metric tons for volume.
| Food Crops/Cereals | Production Volume |
| Consumption Value & Volume | |
| Import Value & Volume | |
| Export Value & Volume | |
| Price Trend Analysis | |
| Cash Crops | Production Volume |
| Consumption Value & Volume | |
| Import Value & Volume | |
| Export Value & Volume | |
| Price Trend Analysis | |
| Fruits | Production Volume |
| Consumption Value & Volume | |
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| Export Value & Volume | |
| Price Trend Analysis | |
| Vegetables | Production Volume |
| Consumption Value & Volume | |
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| Export Value & Volume | |
| Price Trend Analysis | |
| Dairy | Production Volume |
| Consumption Value & Volume | |
| Import Value & Volume | |
| Export Value & Volume | |
| Price Trend Analysis | |
| Fishery | Production Volume |
| Consumption Value & Volume | |
| Import Value & Volume | |
| Export Value & Volume | |
| Price Trend Analysis |
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Agriculture In Iran Market Research FAQs
How big is the Agriculture In Iran Market?
The Agriculture In Iran Market size is expected to reach USD 34.36 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 3.80% to reach USD 41.40 billion by 2030.
What is the current Agriculture In Iran Market size?
In 2025, the Agriculture In Iran Market size is expected to reach USD 34.36 billion.
What years does this Agriculture In Iran Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Agriculture In Iran Market size was estimated at USD 33.05 billion. The report covers the Agriculture In Iran Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Agriculture In Iran Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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Agriculture In Iran Industry Report
Iran's agriculture sector is witnessing significant growth marked by expanded cultivation areas for key crops like pistachios and wheat, and a burgeoning seafood industry. The lifting of international sanctions and subsequent governmental initiatives, such as increased greenhouse cultivation, are enhancing fruit and vegetable production to meet both local demand and ramp up exports. The focus on pistachios, a major export alongside crude oil, reflects their economic significance. Furthermore, substantial government investment in seafood production, including innovative methods like cage farming and juvenile fish releases, is set to raise industry standards. These developments underscore a robust and promising future for the agriculture market in Iran, driven by strategic segmentation and targeted initiatives. For an in-depth analysis and market forecast outlook, access a free report PDF sample from Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports.
