No-Till or No Future: How Iran is Redefining Dryland Farming – No-Till Farmer

Conservation Agriculture in Iran’s Drylands: A Sustainable Development Approach

Introduction

In Iran’s dry and semi-arid regions, where annual rainfall is less than 9 inches, traditional tillage practices have become a significant risk rather than a mere management choice. After over two decades of research, education, and direct engagement with rainfed farmers, it has been concluded that no-till and conservation agriculture (CA) are essential for the survival of dryland agriculture in Iran. This report emphasizes the alignment of these agricultural practices with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to zero hunger (SDG 2), climate action (SDG 13), and life on land (SDG 15).

Challenges of Conventional Tillage in Water-Scarce Environments

Rainfall in much of Iran is scarce, erratic, and increasingly unpredictable. Conventional tillage, such as moldboard plowing, often results in the loss of an entire season’s stored soil moisture through evaporation. This practice has frequently failed to increase crop yields and has instead pushed farmers closer to crop failure, threatening food security and sustainable livelihoods.

A National Mission to Promote Conservation Agriculture

Training and Capacity Building

In November 2025, Iran’s Ministry of Agriculture initiated a nationwide training-of-trainers program to strengthen CA implementation across the country. Agricultural specialists from all 31 provinces gathered at the Isfahan Agricultural Research Center for an intensive two-day course. These participants, primarily extension agents and applied researchers, play a critical role in advising farmers and facilitating the adoption of sustainable practices.

Focus on Locally Adapted Knowledge

The training emphasized practical lessons derived from Iranian soils, machinery constraints, and farming realities rather than promoting CA as a global trend. This approach supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) by ensuring that knowledge transfer is relevant and effective.

Core Principles of Conservation Agriculture

Three Interlinked Principles

The training reinforced that partial adoption of CA is ineffective. The three essential principles are:

1. Minimum soil disturbance
2. Permanent soil cover
3. Diverse crop rotations

Importance of Crop Residues and Soil Protection

Crop residues serve as vital protection by reducing evaporation, buffering soil temperature, and preventing erosion. The moldboard plow, once a symbol of good farming, has become detrimental under water-limited conditions. These practices contribute to SDG 15 by promoting sustainable land management and combating desertification.

Supporting Resources

Each participant received the book Conservation Agriculture: An Ecosystem-Based Approach to Sustainable Farming, a practical guide grounded in years of field observation and adaptation to Iran’s diverse agro-ecological zones. This resource supports ongoing learning and effective farmer outreach.

Decentralizing Expertise and Building Local Champions

Provincial Specialists as Change Agents

The Ministry’s strategy to decentralize expertise aims to create a network of CA promoters who understand local soils, climates, and farming cultures. These specialists assist farmers in:

• Reducing fuel and labor costs
• Increasing productivity with fewer inputs
• Eliminating residue burning
• Controlling soil erosion
• Phasing out moldboard plowing

This approach fosters community empowerment and supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by improving agricultural efficiency and sustainability.

Progress and Impact on the Ground

Expansion of Conservation Agriculture

CA adoption in Iran has expanded to approximately 1.5 million acres in the 2025-26 cropping season, doubling over the past five years. This growth is driven by farmers’ recognition of benefits such as better moisture retention, lower production costs, and greater yield stability during dry years, contributing directly to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).

Advancements in Local Machinery

Domestic manufacturers now produce high-quality no-till seeders adapted to local conditions, facilitating wider adoption. The availability of suitable technology aligns with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by promoting sustainable industrial development.

Resilience in Rainfed Systems

In Iran’s rainfed agriculture, CA is a strategy not for maximizing yields in favorable years but for preventing total crop failure in adverse conditions. Retaining residue, conserving moisture, and minimizing soil disturbance are critical for protecting soil health and farmer livelihoods, supporting SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Future Outlook

Recognition of Conservation Agriculture as a National Solution

CA is increasingly recognized in Iran as a national response to water scarcity, soil degradation, and climate stress rather than an imported concept or pilot project. This shift demonstrates the integration of science, training, and locally adapted technology as a pathway toward sustainable agriculture.

Global Implications

Iran’s experience offers valuable lessons for dryland regions worldwide, emphasizing that coordinated efforts in research, education, and technology adaptation can transform no-till farming from an experimental practice into a sustainable future. This aligns with the global agenda of the SDGs, particularly SDG 2, SDG 13, and SDG 15.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The article discusses improving agricultural productivity and sustainability in dryland farming through conservation agriculture (CA), which directly relates to ending hunger and achieving food security.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Water scarcity and moisture retention in soil are central issues in the article, linking to sustainable water management.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Addressing climate stress and adapting farming practices to erratic rainfall and drought conditions relates to climate resilience and mitigation.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Soil health, erosion control, and sustainable land management through CA principles are key themes connected to protecting terrestrial ecosystems.
5. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Reducing fuel and labor costs, as well as eliminating residue burning, aligns with sustainable production practices.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, particularly women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, and pastoralists.
   • Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.4: Substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals to address water scarcity.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.3: Combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought, and floods.
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
5. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.2: Achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

1. Area under Conservation Agriculture (CA)
   • The article mentions the expansion of CA to approximately 1.5 million acres, indicating an indicator measuring the land area adopting sustainable practices.
2. Crop Yield Stability and Productivity
   • References to increased yield stability in dry years and better moisture retention imply indicators related to crop yield per hectare and yield variability.
3. Soil Moisture Retention and Soil Health
   • Though not quantified, the emphasis on moisture conservation, soil cover, and erosion control suggests indicators on soil organic matter, soil erosion rates, and soil moisture content.
4. Reduction in Fuel and Labor Costs
   • Lower production costs imply economic indicators related to input costs per unit of production.
5. Residue Burning Elimination
   • The goal to eliminate residue burning suggests an indicator measuring the frequency or extent of residue burning practices.
6. Adoption of Locally Adapted Machinery
   • Progress in domestic machinery production adapted to local conditions implies an indicator related to technology adoption rates.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: no-tillfarmer.com