Market Trends of Agriculture In Iran
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.
