Improving Agricultural Statistics in the COMCEC Region
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3.7 Iran
Approximately one-third of Iran’s total surface area is appropriate for farmland, but due to
poor soil and the lack of adequate water distribution in many areas, most of this land is not
suitable for cultivation. Only 12 percent of the total land area is currently under cultivation
(including arable land, orchards and vineyards). Yet less than one-third of the cultivated area
is irrigated; the rest is devoted to dry farming. Almost 35 percent of the total land area is used
for grazing and small fodder production. Most of the grazing is done on mostly semi-dry
rangeland in mountainous areas and in areas surrounding the large deserts of Central Iran.
According to statistical figures, agricultural activities accounted for about a fifth of Iran's gross
domestic product (GDP) and employed a comparable proportion of the workforce. Most farms
are small (less than 10 hectares), thus not economically viable. This has contributed to the
large-scale migration of inhabitants from rural areas to the cities. In addition to water scarcity
and poor soil quality, the seeds available are of low quality and farming techniques are
antiquated.
Compared to its neighbours, Iran has a practical agricultural statistics production system.
According to the World Bank Statistical Capacity Indicator, it ranks thirtieth amongst OIC
Member States. Despite this rather low rank, the score shows that its agricultural statistics
system is relatively developed. Additionally, according to an APCAS report, Iran is among
countries in the Asia and Pacific region considered above average.112
i. Organization of the Agricultural Statistics System
The Legal Framework: The Statistical Law defines “The National High Council of Statistics”,
which is responsible for providing advice on statistics. This National High Council of Statistics
holds meetings every 3 months, and its duties as follows:
 Determine the general policy governing national statistical programs and distribute
statistical activities among the responsible organizations;
 Set the priorities for national statistics;
 Determine comprehensive policies to coordinate government ministries and agencies
to utilize modern technologies;
 Provide comments regarding financing of statistical projects and activities by
ministries, government agencies and affiliated bodies; and
 Provide comments on the procedures and bills concerning statistics.
The High Council of Statistics is headed by the Vice President and Director of Management and
Planning Organization. Its membership is comprised of the following senior officials:
 Deputy Minister of Finance and Treasury
 Deputy Minister of Interior
 Deputy Minister of Agriculture Jihad
 Deputy Minister of Cooperatives
 Deputy Minister For Labour and Social Services
 Deputy Minister of Industries and Mines
112 FAO, 2014a.