FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 09/99 - IRAN, ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF (6 September)

The worst drought in 30 years severely affected agricultural production. Due to lack of rain since last December and reduced snow precipitation during winter, crops were severely affected by reduced soil moisture and low water reserves in irrigation reservoirs. The drought affected both rainfed and irrigated agriculture and also livestock, which provide an important livelihood for a large number of rural households. The worst affected provinces were in the west and north and include Zanjan Ardabil, Kermanshel, Gilan, Lorestan and Marchasi.

Consequently, domestic wheat production fell by 25 percent from around 12 million tonnes expected to around 9 million tonnes, whilst latest government estimates indicate that the reduction in paddy, being harvested, will be around 20 percent from an expected 2.8 million tonnes to 2.3 million tonnes. Barley output is expected to fall by around 24 percent to around 2.5 million tonnes. As a result of the shortfall in crop production, imports are likely to be appreciably higher this year. Official reports indicate that already this year, the country has imported (contracted) 5.6 million tonnes of wheat, since March, up 2.6 million tonnes on total imports in the last marketing year, in addition to 800 000 tonnes of rice.

Back to menu