For the first time in recent memory, the Islamic Republic of Iran has approached self-sufficiency in wheat, the main food staple of the country. A record production in 2004, following an already bumper crop in 2003 has raised hopes that the long-awaited self-sufficiency has become a norm rather than an exception. However, sustaining production at levels sufficient to meet the growing domestic consumption requirements will be a difficult and challenging task. Although strong government support for wheat production has played a large part in raising output, favourable weather in the past two years has also contributed towards the bumper results, and both will be needed if Iran is to remain close to wheat self-sufficient in the future.
展开▼
