Although most of the Iranian land is either dry or otherwise uncultivable, in those parts that cultivation is possible almost everything can grow because each part situated in one corner of Iran enjoys a different climate: wheat grows in most parts, so does barley; rice grows in the northern regions, Mazandaran and Gilan, and in the southwest, Khouzistan; tea grows in the north; dates in the south; excellent fruits in central provinces and in the north, even bananas and mangoes grow near the southern shore; and oranges, apples, mandarins, apricots and cherries grow in most parts. Iran's melons, both as regards quality and range of variety, are world renowned.

During the years of war against Iraq, Iran had to import wheat and barley in large amounts because vast areas that were suitable for cultivating these items were close to the war zone, under constant danger of Iraqi bombers and missiles, and therefore they were partly deserted. Since the termination off the war inhabitants of these regions have returned to their lands and the production of wheat and barley has been resumed and is increasing. It is quite likely that Iran will be self-sufficient in wheat production within a few years. This is because the country has sufficient fertile land for this purpose and all that it lacks is improvement in agricultural technology and expansion of modern machinery and materials.

Iran is rich in sugary produce such as dates and raisins but poor in beet and cane sugar. Since it is also poor in wood pulp for the manufacture of paper, some years ago a number of projects were undertaken for the production of beet and cane sugar, notably in Haft Tappeh, Khouzistan, where at one time sugar canes grew in such abundance that crossing the land was a tedious task. Next to the new plantation there is a sugar processing plant, close to it a pulp manufacturing factory, a little further a paper production facility, on the other side a plant for processing alcohol and vinegar using the molasses left behind in the processing. This project too was interrupted by the war, and renewed attention has been given to it since the war ended. Already some sugar and high quality paper are produced there. This is just an example of the many projects Iran has envisaged for the expansion of its agriculture -- in the areas in which the country offers potentials -- and the related industries.

Animal Husbandry There are many migrating tribes in Iran and almost all they do is breeding sheep and goats while on the move in search of grazing land from the winter to the summer resorts known as "gheshlagh" and "yeylagh". During the recent years more and more attention has been paid to live stock breeding in response to higher demand for meat.

According to recent statistics, there are presently over 40 million heads of sheep and lamb, over twenty-one million heads of goat and kid, and about seven million heads of cow being raised in Iran both by the nomadic tribes and in stock breeding farms. With sufficient expansion in production of animal fodder, modern stock breeding canters are certain to meet domestic demand for meat.

Meanwhile, the government is making research with respect to the future o sheep and goat raising tribes whose livelihood depends on their domestic animals: they make their tents and rugs from the wool, consume the milk, and cheese and butter obtained from the animals. Sometimes they even slaughter a sheep and preserve its meat in fat and salt for winter, and they lead - better say follow - these gently beasts from a hilltop to a valley in search of grass. At present their jobs as stock breeders is indispensable to the nation.