Irrigation equipment exports reach $100m in 8 months – Tehran Times

Report on Iran’s Export of Irrigation Equipment and Agricultural Development

Overview of Irrigation Equipment Exports

In the first eight months of the current Iranian calendar year (March 21 – November 21), Iran exported approximately $100 million worth of irrigation equipment. This export activity was confirmed by Safdar Niazi Shahraki, the deputy head of the Agriculture Ministry’s water and soil department.

Export Destinations

The irrigation equipment was exported to 18 countries, primarily located in Central Asia and neighboring regions. Key recipient countries include:

• Uzbekistan
• Turkmenistan
• Kazakhstan
• Russia
• Turkey
• Iraq
• Persian Gulf states

Significance for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The export and adoption of advanced irrigation equipment align closely with several Sustainable Development Goals, particularly:

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger – Enhancing irrigation technology supports increased agricultural productivity and food security.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Efficient water use in agriculture contributes to sustainable water management.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – The integration of science and technology in agriculture fosters innovation and infrastructure development.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Promoting sustainable agricultural practices reduces resource wastage and environmental impact.

Challenges and Strategic Responses

Declining water resources in the agricultural sector pose significant challenges. To address these, the use of science, technology, and improved productivity is essential to:

• Sustain agricultural production
• Safeguard food security
• Reduce reliance on imports

10th Iran International Agriculture Exhibition

The 10th Iran International Agriculture Exhibition was scheduled to be held over three days starting Friday. The event aims to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including:

• Farmers
• Agricultural experts
• Extension workers
• Managers
• Other agricultural sector participants

Role of Science and Technology in Agricultural Development

Safdar Niazi Shahraki emphasized that science and technology form the backbone of agricultural development. Key points include:

• Investment in modern technologies is crucial for sustainable production and food supply.
• Focus on improving water efficiency and irrigation performance is vital to address water scarcity.
• Adoption of innovative solutions supports long-term sustainability aligned with SDGs.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger – The article discusses sustaining agricultural production and safeguarding food security, which directly relates to ending hunger and promoting sustainable agriculture.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – The focus on irrigation equipment, water efficiency, and declining water resources connects to ensuring availability and sustainable management of water.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – The emphasis on science, technology, and modern technologies in agriculture highlights the role of innovation and infrastructure development.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The promotion of sustainable production methods and efficient resource use aligns with responsible consumption and production.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 2 Targets:
   • Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers through sustainable food production systems and resilient agricultural practices.
   • Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production.
2. SDG 6 Targets:
   • Target 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater.
3. SDG 9 Targets:
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors, including agriculture.
4. SDG 12 Targets:
   • Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for SDG 2:
   • Increase in agricultural productivity and production levels, implied by the export value of irrigation equipment and emphasis on higher productivity.
2. Indicator for SDG 6:
   • Water-use efficiency in agriculture, implied by the focus on irrigation equipment and water efficiency technologies.
3. Indicator for SDG 9:
   • Level of adoption of modern technologies and scientific research in agriculture, implied by the role of science and technology in agricultural development.
4. Indicator for SDG 12:
   • Extent of sustainable production methods and resource efficiency, implied by the emphasis on sustainable production and reduced reliance on imports.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: tehrantimes.com