Deputy Minister Urges Efforts to Boost Iran’s Share of Global Flower Market

The deputy head of planning and economy in the Ministry of Agriculture, referring to Iran’s capacity in the global flower market, said Iran’s share in the stated market, which is estimated to be worth about US$20 billion per year, is very low and the gap indicates the need for targeted planning and intelligent investment in the field.

“Approximately 75.4 million potted flowers, 1.6 billion cut flowers, and 450 million ornamental shrub branches are produced annually in Iran. Roses, chrysanthemums, and native narcissus are the three flowers with the largest cultivation and production area in the cut flower sector,” Akbar Fathi said, as reported by IRNA.

“Iran is the fifth largest producer of flowers and ornamental plants in Asia and the seventeenth in the world, and with existing capacities and strengthened exports, it can achieve a much higher position.”

Fathi underlined that in the agricultural sector, the field of ornamental and cut flowers, in addition to its cultural and aesthetic role, is considered one of Iran’s comparative advantages in the export of agricultural products from an economic perspective, and can play a significant role in generating foreign exchange within the country’s non-oil export basket.

“Iran, with its unparalleled climatic diversity, favorable solar radiation in most parts of the country, access to skilled human resources, and the historical artistic talent and passion of its people in floriculture, has the potential to become one of the hubs for flower production in the region and even the world,” he said.

“By providing logistical infrastructure such as specialized flower export terminals, facilitating permit issuance, reducing transportation costs, and easing access to target markets (especially the Persian Gulf, Central Asia, and Europe), conditions can be created for domestic producers to compete in global markets.”

The deputy minister expressed optimism that by relying on scientific capacities, young and creative human capital, and targeted government support for the private sector, Iran can achieve a worthy position in the global flower and plant trade, and the industry can become one of the important drivers of foreign exchange earnings and sustainable employment across the country. - Iran Daily