President Calls for Revision in Iran's Agricultural, Livestock Farming Methods

President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized the need to revision farming and livestock practices in the country, stating that current methods are unsustainable. Speaking at a meeting with agricultural and livestock sector players from Pardis, Damavand, and Firouzkuh of Tehran Province on Thursday, the president highlighted the significant gap between Iran’s agricultural productivity and that of leading agricultural nations. “We must revision our farming and livestock practices, including planting, cultivation, and harvesting methods. Continuing on this path will lead us nowhere,” Pezeshkian said. He noted that while farmers in the region harvest 40 tons of produce per hectare, global standards with similar resources yield 200 tons per hectare. “We must balance our resources and consumption to achieve sustainable growth,” the president added.

Pezeshkian, who shared his personal experience in farming and livestock, stressed the importance of proper resource management. “I once considered buying a farm for retirement to start gardening, but my responsibilities didn’t allow it. I understand the challenges you face,” he said and warned that overexploitation of resources could lead to irreversible crises, urging a shift toward sustainable practices. The president also criticized past interventions in agriculture, citing the example of Zabol, where farmers previously managed irrigation channels effectively until the government took over, leading to inefficiencies. “When responsibilities are returned to the people, problems are resolved,” he said. Pezeshkian called for collaboration between the Agriculture Ministry, Energy Ministry, and provincial governors to address water and resource management issues. “We must plan meticulously to ensure sustainable development,” he said, pledging government support for farmers and producers.

Focus on tech-based solutions

Earlier in the day, Pezeshkian met with technology-based experts at Pardis Science and Technology Park, emphasizing the need for a shift from short-term, regional decision-making to a comprehensive, global perspective. “Development at the cost of resource depletion is not progress; it is destruction,” he said. The president highlighted the importance of leveraging global solutions to local problems, stating, “There is no problem without a solution. The challenge lies in finding skilled individuals with the motivation to implement these solutions.” He criticized the country’s bureaucratic stagnation, calling for decentralization and empowerment of mid-level managers to drive change. Pezeshkian also addressed urban planning challenges, warning against haphazard development. “We must have a comprehensive plan for the future of our cities, considering resources like water and energy,” he said, stressing the need for scientific planning to prevent environmental degradation and ensure sustainable growth.

Support for coastal development
The president highlighted the potential of coastal regions like Makoran and the Persian Gulf for economic development, citing easier access to resources and trade opportunities. However, he warned against unsustainable investments without proper infrastructure planning. “We must ensure that basic needs like water, electricity, and gas are met before developing these areas,” he said. Pezeshkian also advocated for the creation of free economic zones in the south, emphasizing the need to attract domestic and foreign investments. “These zones can accelerate development, but they must operate under clear regulations that benefit the country,” he said.

Healthcare revision
Reflecting on his experience in the healthcare sector, Pezeshkian criticized inefficiencies in the system and called for a comprehensive overhaul. “We must design a healthcare system where no Iranian worries about access to quality medical services, no matter where they are,” he said. The president pledged government support for revision to improve the quality of healthcare nationwide.

Backing NTBFs
In the meeting, Hossein Afshin, the vice president for science, technology, and knowledge-based economy, reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting new technology-based firms (NTBFs). “The future of the country lies in NTBFs,” he said, announcing plans to establish an insurance fund to protect their products. Afshin highlighted advancements in quantum technology, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology, predicting significant progress in cutting-edge technologies over the next two years. The meeting concluded with a call for greater collaboration between the government, private sector, and academia to drive innovation and sustainable development. - Iran Daily