#GreenhouseFarming #AgriculturalInnovation #VegetableProduction #EconomicImpact #IranAgriculture
Сlose to 3.5 million tons of vegetables and more than 2.7 million ornamental plants were cultivated within the country’s greenhouses, according to the Ministry of Agriculture’s Greenhouse, Ornamental Plants, and Edible Mushroom Affairs Office. In an exclusive interview with Iran’s economic news agency IRNA, Ilham Fattahi-Far, the head of the office, highlighted the significant growth compared to the previous year, emphasizing the positive trajectory in greenhouse farming.
Fattahi-Far provided detailed statistics, revealing that 75% of the total greenhouse area is dedicated to vegetable production, 20% to ornamental plants, and 5% to other greenhouse products. Cucumber constitutes 53% of the total vegetable production, followed by tomatoes at 23%, peppers at 16%, and other greens at 8%.
The highest production and greenhouse area were reported in Tehran, Isfahan, South Kerman, Yazd, Hormozgan, and Fars provinces, showcasing the geographic distribution of Iran’s greenhouse success.
Economic Impact:
According to Fattahi-Far, in the year 2022, over 759,000 tons of greenhouse products, including vegetables and ornamental plants, were exported, contributing a substantial $265 million to the country’s economy. Citing the breakdown, he stated that approximately 747,000 tons of vegetables were exported, valued at $255 million, and 12,000 tons of ornamental plants, valued at $10 million.
Fattahi-Far noted that the primary exports were cherry tomatoes and bell peppers, highlighting their significance in Iran’s greenhouse industry. While statistics for 1402 are not yet available, the official expressed optimism about the continued success of the greenhouse sector.
In line with the Ministry of Agriculture’s plan to shift cultivation from open fields to greenhouses, Fattahi-Far highlighted the annual planning that determines the targeted crops and greenhouse expansion. This strategic approach has led to the continuous development of greenhouse facilities, contributing to the overall advancement of Iran’s agricultural landscape.
