Iran’s Agricultural Minister Details Policy Successes: High Public Engagement in Welfare, Land Reforms
Tehran, Iran – Iran’s Minister of Agriculture Jihad, Gholamreza Nouri Qazaljeh, has highlighted significant government achievements in bolstering food security, implementing land reforms, and ensuring widespread public access to essential goods. Speaking at a ceremony honoring exemplary agricultural producers, the minister underscored the government’s commitment to justice, domestic production, and public welfare.
Bolstering Food Security and Domestic Production
Minister Nouri Qazaljeh emphasized the nation’s robust capacity for self-sufficiency in food production. “Approximately 85% of the country’s food security is directly provided by our dedicated farmers and producers,” he stated. He added that the remaining smaller portion of imported goods is processed and supplied domestically by various actors within the agricultural production chain, further strengthening national resilience. The minister affirmed the government’s priority in making economic activity viable for producers, ensuring they can sell their products at competitive prices, at minimum covering their costs.
Land Reform and Justice Initiatives
In a move aimed at enhancing justice and protecting property rights, the Ministry of Agriculture Jihad has embarked on a large-scale land reform program. Minister Nouri Qazaljeh revealed that 2 million hectares of land, previously under national titles but rightfully belonging to citizens, are being returned to their legitimate owners. “We are committed to correcting historical land titling errors. This process, involving 25% of such lands, is now 90% complete,” he announced, signaling a major step towards resolving long-standing issues and empowering landowners.
Electronic Vouchers: A Model of Efficient Distribution
A cornerstone of the government’s welfare initiatives, the electronic food voucher program, known as “Kala Barg,” has demonstrated remarkable success and efficiency. The minister reported that Iranian citizens have utilized these vouchers to purchase a staggering 75 trillion Tomans worth of essential goods in just the past two weeks, all sourced from domestic farmers and producers.
Crucially, Minister Nouri Qazaljeh confirmed that approximately 90% of eligible Iranians have already utilized these vouchers to procure their essential items. He lauded the system’s strength, noting that despite high demand and without extensive prior preparation, the supply chain, including transportation, effectively met the public’s needs without shortages.
Presidential Vision and National Resilience
The minister attributed these achievements to the strategic vision and unwavering commitment of the President, who has consistently prioritized improving public livelihoods and bolstering domestic production. He contrasted the current efficient distribution with past challenges, stating, “Despite facing various challenges, including regional developments and international complexities, the efficient implementation of the voucher program has ensured that no queues formed, a stark contrast to previous periods.” This, he concluded, is a testament to the tireless efforts of producers and the comprehensive strengthening of the nation’s food security system under the current administration.
