Iran halts wheat imports until March 2025, eyeing self-sufficiency

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
10 May 2024 15:24

Iran anticipates achieving self-sufficiency in wheat production for the current year.

Iranian farmer harvesting wheat (IRNA)

Iranian Deputy at the Agriculture Ministry Alireza Mohajer announced that Iran has decided to refrain from importing any wheat until March 2025, opting instead to depend on domestic production, as reported by the Iranian Student News Agency on Thursday.

"Between March 2023 and March 2024, domestic production of wheat has reached 10.5 million tons and we only needed to import 1 million tons of wheat," he stressed.

The official added that Iran anticipates achieving self-sufficiency in wheat production for the current year.

It is worth noting that Iran's domestic wheat production is subject to significant fluctuations due to variations in rainfall. While the country has achieved self-sufficiency in some years, periods of drought have necessitated record-high levels of imports.

Mohajer noted that domestic output plummeted to 4.5 million tons, while imports surged to seven million tons between March 2021 and March 2022. He further stated that from March 2022 to March 2023, domestic wheat production reached 7.5 million tons, with imports totaling three million tons.

The slogan of the year: 'Surge in production dependant on people’s participation'

Last March, Iranian leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei reflected, during an address in Tehran to mark the Iranian New Year, on the country's domestic and foreign affairs, acknowledging both positive strides and challenges. He noted significant progress in science, technology, and infrastructure within Iran, alongside economic difficulties faced by the people.

Addressing economic issues, the Iranian leader mentioned the slogan he introduced in 1402 AHS [March 2023 - March 2024], focusing on inflation control and production growth. He recognized advancements in both areas but stressed the need for sustained efforts, acknowledging that desired results may take time and commitment beyond a single year. Further details on these matters were promised in his forthcoming speech to the Iranian people.

"......the slogan that I have chosen for this year is, 'Surge in production through people’s participation.' This is the slogan for this year. I hope, God willing, this slogan will be actualized in the best possible way. It is necessary for those who are making the plans for the country to create plans, for experts to collaborate by providing their thoughts, and for those who are active in the economic sector to, God willing, actively participate in this endeavor," he said.

Based on expert analysis, Sayyed Khamenei said that the solution to the country's economic woes is deemed to lie primarily in bolstering production—both domestically and nationally.

This strategic focus on production has been underscored in recent years, with the belief that sustained growth and advancements in this area can alleviate major economic concerns such as inflation, unemployment, and currency devaluation, the Iranian leader added.