Rewritten Title:
Criticism Mounts Over Agricultural Ministry’s Handling of Food Security and Currency Allocation
Ministry Faces Scrutiny Over Lack of Transparency and Prioritization
Tehran – Isaq Bandani, a member of Iran’s Chamber of Commerce, has strongly criticized the Ministry of Agricultural Jihad’s performance in managing food security, foreign currency resources, and economic equity. Citing official data, legal resolutions, and annual statistical trends, Bandani highlighted systemic inefficiencies in the ministry’s policies during an interview with Mehr News Agency.
Bandani emphasized that despite being aware of a €4 billion reduction in preferential currency allocations compared to the previous year, the ministry failed to present a clear priority plan for resource distribution. “No transparent list of eligible goods was published, leaving economic stakeholders in complete uncertainty,” he stated.
Delays and Market Disruptions
The prolonged nine-month backlog in currency allocations has disrupted supply chains, causing sharp price surges in key commodities. For instance, the price of corn skyrocketed from 7,500 to 11,300 tomans, with similar trends observed in barley and soybean meal. Bandani attributed these disruptions to indecisiveness in defining eligible goods and the absence of operational prioritization.
Allegations of Favoritism Toward Affiliated Firms
Bandani accused the ministry of discriminatory practices, alleging that companies linked to Jahad-e Esteghlal received preferential treatment in currency allocations while private enterprises faced delays. These firms reportedly imported 6,000 tons of legumes and 45,000 tons of oil at rates 8% above the approved exchange price, exceeding the budget by €15.5 million.
Additionally, white bean imports—officially banned—were permitted for these companies under the ministry’s authorization. This contradicts a February 2023 market regulation that exempted such firms from a €200 million cap only if they sold goods below approved prices—a condition Bandani claims was ignored.
Mismanagement During the Russian Export Ban Crisis
Bandani also pointed to last year’s livestock input crisis, triggered by Russia’s export ban, which threatened 35% of Iran’s northern imports. Despite diplomatic efforts, including discussions between Iranian and Russian presidents, the ministry’s delayed response left the market unstable for four months, squandering opportunities for stabilization.
Ignoring National Economic Policies
Criticizing the ministry’s lack of adherence to broader state policies, Bandani referenced the Supreme Leader’s directives on reducing government intervention and empowering the private sector. Instead, the ministry allegedly continues to favor semi-state enterprises, neglects expert input, and makes non-strategy-based decisions.
Warning of Systemic Collapse
Bandani concluded with a stark warning: these shortcomings and mismanagement risk destabilizing the supply chain for essential goods. “The ministry lacks a transparent agenda, is absent in international engagements, and diverts currency opportunities toward rent-seekers,” he asserted.
The critique underscores growing concerns over resource allocation fairness and the need for urgent reforms in agricultural governance.
