Iran: Agricultural Production and Trade

Iran's economy is growing rapidly, exceeding 14 percent in both 1971/72 and 1972/73. Increasing oil production dominates export revenue. Agriculture's share of GNP continues to decline but it still employs the largest share of the labor force. Agricultural exports comprise about 7 percent of total exports and consist mainly of cotton, fruits and nuts, and hides and skins. Major agricultural imports are cereals, especially wheat, fats and oils, sugar, tea, and dairy products. Wheat is the most important food grain. Production fluctuates substantially from year to year depending on the weather and Iran may be either self-sufficient or in need of imports. On occasion, wheat has even been exported. The growth of the livestock sector has been slow, due mainly to severe winters and lack of feed. The land reform program, begun in 1962, is now substantially completed and is expected to stimulate agricultural development. Expanded irrigation facilities and increased productivity are major goals of agricultural development. In addition, efforts are being made to improve Iran's marketing and distribution systems

Jordan's Agricultural Economy in Brief

The economy of Jordan is beginning to show signs of recovery from the paralysis brought on by the mid-1970 internal strife and the September civil war. These disorders were a consequence of the June 1967 war with Israel which dealt a severe blow to Jordan's economy--the loss of the West Bank containing 40 percent of the country's agricultural land and production. Production of the main grains--wheat and barley--fluctuates widely, primarily because of weather. Wheat must be imported to meet domestic needs. Exports are mostly fresh fruits and vegetables. The balance of payments is supplemented by "invisibles" such as money received from Jordanian workers in other countries. Development plans call for greater expansion of irrigation schemes, use of new seed varieties, and improvement of farming methods

Turkey's Agricultural Economy in Brief

This report describes recent trends in Turkish agriculture, trade, and economic planning. Cotton, tobacco, and filberts remain leading exports, while wheat needs--the prime food stable--are satisfied by domestic production and imports. The United States receives most of the Turkish tobacco exports while supplying most of Turkey's import requirements for wheat, fats and oils, and feed grains. The continuing modernization of farming technology, greater use of fertilizers, and the introduction of higher-yielding plant varieties have improved the agricultural picture. Though agriculture remains dominant in the Turkish economy, government efforts to step up industrial development through 5-year planning programs continues. The GNP growth target of 7 percent is being achieved