IRAN, ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF (19 February)
As a result of ample and widespread precipitation, favourable weather, a substantial increase in financial allocation to agriculture sector by the government and efforts made by the farmers, production of all crops in 2002 increased significantly over the previous years’ drought affected output. The 2002 wheat output is estimated at a record 12.5 million tonnes, over 30 percent higher than 9.5 million tonnes gathered the year before. The output of recently harvested paddy crop also showed a sizeable increase over the previous crop notably in the main producing provinces of Mazandaran and Gilan, which together account for about 70 percent of the total production. The aggregate paddy output in 2002 is expected to be 2.7 million tonnes, well above the average production of 2.3 million tonnes.
Reflecting a sizeable increase in cereal output in 2002, the imports of wheat and rice in 2002/03 are expected to sharply decline from the high levels of the previous drought years.
The prospects for the recently planted wheat and barley crops for harvest in mid-2003 are favourable with early onset of rains and snowfall in most parts of the country. In the 12 major wheat producing provinces, which together account for about 80 percent of the total production, overall precipitation in the last dekade of December equalled the good level at the same period in the previous year.
The overall food supply situation in the country is stable and per caput food intakes are expected to increase in 2003 reflecting higher supplies.
In the areas of the Qazvin province which were seriously affected by earthquake last June reconstruction and rehabilitation activities are well underway. Distribution of FAO assistance for emergency agricultural rehabilitation is underway in the affected areas. This assistance worth US$ 224 000 is intended to support the food security of 2 218 earthquake affected households (or a total of about 11 000 beneficiaries), through the provision of seed, fertilizer and animal feed. An Emergency Operation by WFP has provided food assistance to 25 000 earthquake affected people whose houses suffered 60 to 100 percent destruction. The food assistance included 250 tonnes of wheat flour, 75 tonnes of rice, 25 tonnes of pulses, 12.5 tonnes of sugar and 5 tonnes of vegetable oil.