TEHRAN – Iran’s Agriculture Minister Gholamreza Nouri Ghezeljeh says 1,925 agricultural projects will be inaugurated across the country during this year’s Government Week that starts on August 24, with Hormozgan Province accounting for the largest share with 32 projects.
Speaking at a meeting of Hormozgan’s Planning Council, Nouri Ghezeljeh said the projects include infrastructure and production schemes aimed at strengthening the agricultural sector and promoting a marine-based economy.
He said the administration has prioritized the development of coastal areas and the islands, with comprehensive plans being drawn up to make greater use of the country’s maritime capacities.
The minister also stressed the need to strengthen rural markets, support agricultural exports and reduce the role of unnecessary intermediaries in the supply chain. He said measures including agricultural insurance, price reforms and a rapid response to market problems are among the ministry’s priorities.
Nouri Ghezeljeh further highlighted the role of farmers, fishermen and other producers in maintaining Iran’s food security despite economic pressures, energy and water imbalances, drought and restrictions on maritime trade.
 Iran’s Fisheries Organization has announced that 122 fisheries projects will be inaugurated across 23 provinces during Government Week, which starts on August 24.
Hamzeh Rostampour, head of the Fisheries Organization, made the announcement on Saturday, saying the new projects will increase national fisheries production by more than 59,000 tons and create over 27,000 direct and indirect jobs.
According to the official, the projects cover a range of areas, including fishing vessel operations, warm-water, cold-water and sturgeon farming, cage fish farming, shrimp farming, jetty construction, feed production, seafood packaging and processing, ornamental fish farming, and leech farming.
He said Hormozgan Province in southern Iran ranks first in terms of investment despite wartime conditions. The projects to be inaugurated in the province include fleet development, vessel equipment, shrimp farming and the restructuring of aquaculture farms, he added.