The Deputy Minister of Research, Technology, and Science, highlighting the nation's challenges regarding water resources and food supply, asserted that achieving sustainable food security necessitates the integration of modern technologies into the agricultural sector.

According to the Public Relations Office of the University of Kurdistan, Dr. Seyed Mehdi Abtahi stated on Monday, June 8, 2026, at the opening ceremony of the 14th Iranian Horticultural Science Congress hosted by the University of Kurdistan, that recent impacts on national infrastructure and strategic industries have necessitated a re-evaluation of developmental models. He noted that alongside challenges in heavy industries, the IT-based economy has also faced disruptions, leading to employment fluctuations in various industrial sectors.

He emphasized that the nation’s resilience in the defense sector, achieved through reliance on domestic knowledge and advanced indigenous technologies, serves as a significant milestone. He suggested that this model of technological maturity should be emulated in other vital sectors.

Regarding the demographic landscape, Dr. Abtahi described the youth population as a primary asset but raised concerns about meeting future demands within the country’s ecological limits. He argued that the resolution of these challenges and paradoxes lies in innovation and technology, where the horticulture sector can play a transformative role.

The Deputy Minister pointed to the evolution of cultivation methods, stating: "The development of smart greenhouses, the reduction of water consumption, and the implementation of advanced techniques such as sub-surface irrigation are essential strategies for overcoming current environmental hurdles."

In conclusion, he called for a paradigm shift in the agricultural economy. Similar to the transition in the steel industry from a focus on volume to high-value-added products, he emphasized that the agricultural sector must prioritize economic value and resource efficiency to ensure long-term sustainability.