Gholamreza Noori, Minister of Agriculture, emphasized the importance of sustainable energy supply for the production of essential products in a joint meeting with members of the Energy Commission of the Parliament. He referred to efforts to reopen export corridors and settle the claims of wheat farmers, stating that production sustainability depends on the coordination of energy, trade, currency, and support policies.
Energy Supply Challenges in Agriculture
Noori stated that energy supply in the agricultural sector is no longer merely a technical or infrastructural issue; it has a direct connection to food security and the livelihoods of millions. The development of mechanization, the operation of irrigation systems, and the preservation of products depend on sustainable access to energy. He also emphasized that agriculture's share of the country's energy consumption basket is less than five percent, but the value creation of this sector in national and food security far exceeds its energy consumption level.
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He mentioned the establishment of an energy council for the agricultural sector to increase efficiency and optimize energy consumption, adding that this council should focus on balancing consumption management and production continuity. Noori also referred to the determination of the guaranteed purchase price of wheat as one of the most important issues and expressed hope that the final price would be announced by next week.
Status of Agricultural Product Exports
Noori also addressed the status of agricultural product exports, stating that the initial export forecast for this year was between seven to 7.5 billion dollars. However, logistical problems and disruptions in transferring goods to target markets have led to a decrease in the prices of some products and increased pressure on producers. He warned that over the next three months, more than two million tons of fruits and perishable products need to be exported.
The Minister of Agriculture stated that the government is trying to use diplomatic capacities to remove transit obstacles. Although some routes for exports are active, the export of bulk products requires access to suitable maritime routes, which are currently facing limitations. Noori reported on ongoing meetings with the President and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to resolve transit obstacles and emphasized that solving export problems requires cooperation among various agencies.
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