Iran sees surge in grain imports for feed amid severe drought

IRAN – Iran has experienced a significant increase in imports of feed ingredients this year as a severe and prolonged drought continues to devastate its domestic wheat and barley harvests. 

This situation has led to a surge in the importation of essential raw materials needed to sustain the nation’s livestock and poultry sectors.

According to recent figures released by the Iranian Feed Industry Association (IRFIA), the country’s national output of livestock feeds currently stands at 11 million metric tons (MMT). 

Despite 886 feed mills operating nationwide, domestic production can only cover 20% of the required inputs, leaving Iranian feed companies heavily dependent on imported raw materials.

The drought’s impact has been profound, leading to a notable increase in the importation of key feed components. 

Compared to 2023, corn imports have risen by 16%, soybean meal by an astounding 1,200%, soybeans by 18%, and barley by 37%. 

These increases underscore the gravity of the situation, as Iran faces one of its most challenging agricultural seasons in recent history.

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has highlighted the severe drought conditions in its reports, particularly noting the worst impacts in regions that rely on rainfall for crop production and have large livestock populations. 

With reservoirs already at low levels, the drought has only exacerbated water scarcity, compromising agricultural outputs.

The FAO’s June report painted a bleak picture for Iran’s domestic wheat and barley production, warning that the prospects for these essential crops were unfavourable. 

Wheat, a staple food for Iran’s population, and barley, a critical feed for livestock, have both been severely affected. The FAO’s concerns reflect the challenges the population faces, which relies heavily on these crops for both human consumption and animal feed.

In response to the crisis, the Iranian government has implemented a series of measures to mitigate the effects of the drought. However, the details of these initiatives have yet to be fully disclosed.

Iran’s feed industry, which has a potential production capacity of 27 MMT, is currently under strain. In 2021, actual output was reported at 11.5 MMT, with the total domestic feed requirement at 21 MMT. 

According to the International Feed Industry Federation, Iran’s feed production in the previous year amounted to 10.5 MMT, distributed among various sectors: 6 MMT for cattle, 4 MMT for poultry, 400,000 metric tons (MT) for aquaculture, and 100,000 mt for other animals.

Iran’s struggle with severe drought is part of a broader regional challenge. In southern Africa, Zimbabwe’s government recently organised emergency feed deliveries to preserve the country’s cattle population amid similar drought conditions.

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