At an international conference in Turkey focused on water and food waste, Iran’s agriculture minister, Gholamreza Nouri, spoke about the critical need for better water management and cutting food waste. He underscored how these issues impact not just the economy but also social and environmental stability. He noted that water and food are central to many religious teachings.
Nouri highlighted Iran’s historical expertise in water management. Thousands of years ago, Iranians invented the qanat system, which allowed them to thrive in arid regions. He pointed out that today, climate change is worsening challenges like droughts and water scarcity.
Currently, over 700 million people worldwide suffer from hunger, while around one-third of produced food is wasted—more than a billion meals every day. This wastage has significant consequences, such as soil degradation and increased greenhouse gas emissions.
To combat food waste, the Iranian government aims to cut agricultural losses from 30% to 15%. They are implementing strategies to improve the supply chain, track products, and reduce waste in key crops like wheat, potatoes, and fruits. Notably, potato waste has dropped by 50% in the last 15 years.
A significant portion of agricultural byproducts is now being repurposed as animal feed or processed for added value, thereby reducing pollution and creating sustainability.
Nouri stressed that improving water productivity in farming is vital. Iran is adopting practices like efficient water governance and modern irrigation systems to protect these resources.
He concluded with a call for global cooperation to address these pressing issues. By minimizing water and food waste, we can enhance food security and promote a sustainable future.
For more insights on global food security, you can check out the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.
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Iranian Agriculture Minister,Istanbul,No Waste Forum
