Iran concluded the Iranian solar year calendar 1402, and according to statistics from the Central Bank of Iran, the cost of food in the country increased by 31.60% in Esfand 1402 (equivalent to March-February 2024) compared to the same month in the previous year. Notably, Iran’s food inflation has reached its lowest level since September 2020. Over the period from 2012 to 2024, food inflation in Iran averaged 34.95%, with a peak of 87.00% recorded in July 2022.
Given these statistics, what perspective can we adopt regarding Iran’s food security? The answer to this question is complex and heavily reliant on the future actions of the Iranian government. It serves as a warning to policymakers. Food insecurity poses a significant challenge for the country. Not only does it gradually erode the coexistence of nations, but it also has the potential to ignite social unrest. Food, being the most fundamental human need, directly impacts households. If this basic need remains unmet, severe mental distress may afflict heads of households. Addressing this challenge requires proactive measures to combat economic corruption, promote food security, and manage administrative costs across all sectors.
On one hand, the psychological burden posed by food insecurity can disrupt family dynamics. When we consider the scale of a country with more than eighty million citizens, this challenge can exacerbate family issues, delay marriage, and contribute to separations. Simultaneously, the robust link between food security and overall health—both mental and physical—is undeniable. Beyond creating psychological stress that affects communal life, food insecurity also gives rise to various diseases. Over time, this undermines the well-being of many citizens and imposes significant costs on both individuals and the government.
What steps can be taken to address this critical issue?
Assess Vulnerability: First and foremost, it is crucial to recognize that food security in Iran today is highly vulnerable and at risk. Understanding the current state of food security is essential for informed decision-making.
Long-Term Agricultural Plans: The government should formulate long-term plans aimed at transforming the country’s agriculture. Optimal cultivation methods, informed by the experiences of scientists from other nations, can play a pivotal role in achieving sustainable food production.
Crisis Group Formation: Swift action is needed to establish a dedicated crisis group within the Ministry of Agriculture. This group can proactively address food security challenges and devise effective strategies.
Economic and Import Structure Improvements: To confront these problems head-on, Iran must enhance its economic and import structures. Economists have long advocated for structural improvements and now is the time to prioritize these changes.
In summary, a comprehensive approach—one that combines psychological awareness, agricultural innovation, crisis management, and economic reforms—is essential to safeguarding food security for all Iranians.
The government must rebuild the internal and external policies of the country. For decades, Iran has allocated significant funds to these policies based on ideological principles, but this approach has diminished the nation’s capacity for reconstruction and improvement. Such behaviour could have irreparable consequences for the country. The Iranian government urgently needs to strengthen its global ties, fostering a peaceful and inclusive approach, while also enhancing interactions with its citizens.
A crucial point is that the government has consistently expressed concern about the pressures faced by the people. Moreover, a substantial portion of Iranian citizens today are educated and open-minded, willing to embrace new methods from around the world and contribute to innovations.
In this context, the outlook ahead presents a challenging path, balancing between fear and hope.
Adkanian
