Eskandar Zand, Head of the Agricultural Research Organization, made the remarks while addressing the 1st National Festival of Iranian Farmers and the 31st Session to Introduce Exemplary Farmers.
He went on to stress that Iranian researchers were actively working to cut dependence of imports of other important crop seeds.
On wheat self-sufficiency, the official said 15 per cent of self-reliance in wheat production pertained to the type of exploited seed; “use of quality seeds has lowered production costs by over 370 million dollars in the past three years.”
He stated that approximately 500 thousand tons of certified seeds have been delivered to farmers in the present Iranian calendar year (to end March 20).
“Exemplary farmers have managed to reach rise production in agriculture sector by three times and horticulture sector by six times indicating that good steps have been taken towards realization of Resistance Economy,” Zand continued.
He said per Economy of Resistance Project of Ministry of Agricultural Jihad, Iran has been able to raise farming products to 117 million tons from 93 million tons in the past three years.
“Top manufacturers of the current year were from various sectors including agriculture, horticulture, poultry, aquaculture, manufacturing, technology, knowledge, business as well as investment and were able to use high-quality seeds, use rainwater and cut down on water consumption to dramatically increase production,” said the official.
HA/IRN82371618