Food security cornerstone of national security and stability: Pezeshkian

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has said food security is a cornerstone of national security, independence, and social stability, praising the country’s farmers and agricultural producers for safeguarding the nation’s food supply.

In a message marking Agricultural Jihad Week on Thursday, Pezeshkian paid tribute to Iran's farmers, livestock breeders, villagers, nomads, and all those active in the agricultural sector, describing them as the main pillars of production and the guardians of the country's food security.

He also reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting agricultural producers and strengthening the sector's role in ensuring national self-sufficiency and public welfare, highlighting the sacrifices and contributions of agricultural workers.

“What is placed on the tables of the Iranian people today is the result of the efforts, responsibility, and perseverance of these dear individuals who, out of love for this homeland, have continued the production process and the supply of the country's food needs even under the most difficult conditions,” Pezeshkian said.

“Today, food security is not merely an economic issue; rather, it is one of the important pillars of national security, the country's independence, and social tranquillity. Supporting producers in the agricultural sector is a necessary step toward strengthening public welfare,” he stressed.

Pezeshkian also outlined the government's plans to strengthen agricultural production through scientific management of water and soil resources, the expansion of knowledge-based agriculture, higher productivity, lower production costs, and greater market stability.

Referring to Iran's human, scientific, and productive capacities, the president emphasized Iran’s important role in enhancing regional food security and highlighted cooperation with neighboring and friendly countries.

“Our great Iran, benefiting from valuable human, scientific, and productive capacities, enjoys an important position in enhancing regional food security. Expanding cooperation with neighboring and friendly countries, exchanging knowledge and technology, strengthening trade in agricultural products, and expanding agricultural diplomacy are among the important paths towards achieving sustainable food security and developing regional cooperation,” Pezeshkian emphasized.

Inside Iran's agricultural revolution and 85% self-sufficiency

Despite US naval blockade and Israeli joint war, Iran has achieved 85% food self-sufficiency through resistance economy, overseas farming, satellite monitoring, and guaranteed prices, feeding 86 million people without shortages.

Addressing the impact of illegal US sanctions, the president stressed that the government remains committed to supporting producers despite external pressures.

“At the same time, sanctions and economic pressures should not target the livelihoods of farmers, livestock breeders, villagers, and nomads, nor the people’s food supply. The government stands firmly alongside producers with all its capabilities and will not allow external pressures to disrupt the production, distribution, and supply of the country’s food needs,” Pezeshkian stated.

The president further said that he sincerely appreciates the valuable efforts of all officials, practitioners, experts, researchers, and activists in the agricultural sector who are the “true guardians” of Iran’s food security.

Concluding his message, Pezeshkian expressed confidence that greater reliance on knowledge, innovation, public participation, domestic scientific capabilities, support for local production, and stronger regional cooperation would help secure a brighter future for Iran's agricultural sector.

“Without doubt, the blessing of the farm, the peace of the table, and the food security of our beloved Iran are the fruits of the tireless hands that, with patience, hardship, and hope, keep the wheels of production in this land turning and strive for Iran's prosperity.”

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