President.ir - President stressed maintaining people’s purchasing power and the efficiency of agricultural products and said, “Dear farmers, ranchers and gardeners contribute to our security and the government is responsible to provide security for their work”. 

Speaking in a meeting with the Minister of Agriculture Jihad and senior managers of the ministry on Monday, Dr Hassan Rouhani said, “Working towards self-sufficiency and agricultural and livestock inputs is essential”.

We fully respect farmers, he said, adding, “Farmers should be able to make a living and the agriculture minister is committed to ensure they get their rights and salary”.

Stressing that the main burden of the country’s security is on the shoulders of farmers, he continued, “When the word ‘security’ is stated, people usually think of military forces, while a major part of security is provided by the dear farmers”.

Dr Rouhani went on to underscore that the government is responsible towards a farmer that works for people’s food security, adding, “Without a doubt, if the farmer is not sure about its crop production and sale, he can’t provide the society and people with security”.

He also mentioned the problems that farmers face, including climate problems, pests, and heat stroke, stressing, “The government must plan for all of these fields”.

“Many people, and even the educated, think that our country has problems in providing high-tech facilities, while we have some problems in forage, corn and livestock inputs, and we are importing a great deal of these products every year,” he said.

The President of the Islamic Republic of Iran also said, “In the food sector, we must stand on our own feet and produce our own needs inside the country”.

“Universities and agriculture should work together with the priority of people's needs,” he said, adding, “Despite the annual increase in population and nutritional needs, we face water and land constraints”.

The President also said, “The issuance of improper permits has severely limited groundwater”.

Stating that, “An important part of agricultural and horticultural products can rely on rainfed farming,” he said, “People should not worry about supplying dairy products, meat and protein products”.

“Changing the consumption pattern of meat and promoting aquaculture is essential,” continued the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

“An important part of the country's food is smuggled,” he said, adding, “Farmers’ work must be guaranteed through insurance”.

Dr Rouhani continued, “The nation's security lies with the farmers and the security of the farmers lies with the government”.

Appreciating all people who word for the country’s self-sufficiency in wheat production, the President said, “We were the second largest wheat importer in the world, but in recent years, we eliminated the need”.

He also stated, “In sugar production our production has almost doubled and we are on the verge of self-sufficiency”.

He said that production of some oilseeds, such as rapeseed, has increased sixfold, adding, “The media should inform people about national honours”.

President Rouhani also said, “An average increase of 4 million tonnes of agricultural products per year is a big step”.

“300,000 hectares in Khuzestan and Ilam and 46,000hectares in Sistan and Baluchistan province are ready for modern irrigation systems,” he continued.