Abdul al-Rashid told ISNA that the project is a good step to increase the non-oil exports. However, it has been presently postponed due to a delay of Iranian government's request to FAO to begin the project. The measures would be taken as soon as Iran does request, he added.
Iran had a high-level of importation in the last thirty years, especially during the Iran-Iraq 1980-1988 war when many damages were imposed on the country. However, after the imposed war the country strived to find its real position and within a short time the production of wheat and corn as well as many of the livestock products exceeded the domestic demand, he said in conclusion.
FK/AJ/MA
END
MNA