Capabilities of the Agricultural Sector

Development and expansion of the agricultural sector and its potentials of capacities has always been on the list of the most important goals and long-term plans of the country. Zanjan province has good prospects for development due to its favorable geographical location, diverse climatic conditions and high potentials in various sectors, especially agriculture.

According to the de Martonne climatic classification, 11 types different climates have been identified in the province, that indicating the climate variability in this region of the country. But at the applied level three climates including cold, temperate, subtropical are distinguishable in which the average rainfall of the last decade has been reported to be 301 mm.

Zanjan province with 883000 ha of arable land, including 4.77% of the total agricultural land in the country and the area of ​​irrigated agricultural land is 168395 ha (2% of country’s lands). Therefore, Zanjan is always regarded as the agricultural heart in the country.

Tarom Township with average elevation of 630 meters above sea level is the lowest and Khodabandeh Township with average height of 1970 meters above sea level is the highest township in the province.

A number of 68 types of crops and 21 types of horticultural trees in the province in cultivated. It is estimated that a total of 2.2 billion cubic meters of runoff is produced yearly, which is being collected by several small and large dams constructed and those that will be exploited in the near future; this amount of water will cover the irrigation of over 92000 ha of agricultural land. So it will guaranties a safe agricultural sector.

Equipping about 29000 ha of irrigated lands in the province with new irrigation systems and the growing trend of implementing these systems is a major step in improving irrigation efficiency that has been put into practice by the Jihad-e-Agriculture Organization in recent years. The province's most important crops are wheat, barley, forage crops, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, olive, grapes and apple trees. It is worth noting that this province has a comparative advantage for investment in producing about 20000 tons of dried garlic per year as well as potential to produce apple it has a relative advantage for investment.

Production status of some province crops in the country

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zanjan Township

According to the latest statistics of the province's agricultural production, Zanjan's horticultural products are, approximately 65582 tons, of the following groups: pome fruits (apple, pear, and quince) and stone fruits (sour cherry, cherry, plum, peach, apricot, nectarine, and golden-juice plum) and fine-seed fruits (such as grapes) and nuts (pistachios, almonds, and walnuts). In this regard, Zanjan Township has the first rank amongst the townships in the province. The livestock population with 631028 animal units (A. U.) in the year 2010 was also the first rank among the other townships.

The expanse of arable lands is 258270 ha (30% of the province) and about 25% of all agricultural products come from this township.

Top Features of Zanjan Township

· First place in production of rice, apple, onions, rape, milk, red meat, chicken, and honey,

· Increasing the production of strategic crops onions and potatoes by 30% and 25%, respectively,

· Appropriate lands, approximately 36374 ha, suitable for irrigated crops production,

· Having 295 mm precipitation and so the possibility of dry farming on 94064 ha of lands,

· Extending of modern irrigation systems on 356 ha of lands.

Abilities and Capabilities of the Agricultural Sector of Zanjan Township

· Possessing varied and numerous habitats for continuance of animal and rangeland plants due to special climate conditions and appropriate geographical specifications,

· Availability of natural springs, landscapes and spectacular physiography,

· enjoys varied climates and capable lands for producing of different orchard crops,

· Possessing considerable capacities for horticultural subsector extension (such as: steep, uneven, and rough lands, …),

· Availability of germplasm and different horticultural crop strains,

· Appropriate and incomparable capacity for of horticultural subsection to create employment,

· Possibility of incorporating new species and varieties to produce crops for export,

· Possibility of the production of organic crops in horticultural subsection,

· Possibility of enhancement of performance of the most horticultural crops,

· Relative preference of the most horticultural crops considering their production and value per one unit of water consumed by them,

· Possibility of cultivation expansion of new and valuable medicinal plants and crops,

· Possibility of raising the value of the most horticultural crops by raising their quality, packaging, processing, and appropriate marketing for export.

Abhar Township

Due to geographical position, topography, and the expanse of lands there is a great potential for agricultural activities and investment. Agricultural crops of this region including wheat, forage plants such as alfalfa, clover, pulses to name a few white bean, wax bean, kidney bean, different types of summer crops, potatoes, tomatoes, onions and greens and fresh and glandular vegetables. Dry farming lands is more than 107815 ha, rangelands and pastures about 75000 ha, barren and conservational lands 100000 ha and finally 37000 ha of irrigational lands. Different fruit crops including walnut and almonds, seedy fruits of cold climate fruits such as perry and quince and some stony fruits as apricot, peach and different types of cherry and sour cherry are also cultivated. Besides some none-fruit trees for industrial use, … is available.

As the statistics suggest wheat and barley cultivation are the priority of this region. The expanse of land area under wheat cultivation is under the focus of investment such that in the capable regions where the precipitation is higher and its distribution is more normal, wheat and barley cultivation have been extended so the farming operations are now mechanized. In 2011 the population of domestic animals was 48714 animal units which eventuated to the production of 25137 tons milk (rank 4^th), 3893 tons red meat (rank 2^nd), 5000 tons chicken meat (rank 2^nd) and 37 tons honey (rank 5^th) (ranking presented in comparison with the production of other townships of the province.)

The Most Important Capabilities of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Sector of Abhar Township

· Possessing rich sources of surface water and groundwater,

· Ability to convert dry farming lands to irrigated farming by pumping water from small dams,

· Using new gardening methods in vineyards has led to performance, less dependent on work force, increase in added value of crop,

· Ability to develop and expand a variety of agricultural alternate industries, including raisins, potatoes, and fruit concentrates,

· Climate and weather condition and possessing good and medium rangelands in many regions and fertile lands have raised animal husbandry activities.

Khodabandeh Township

Vast expanse of arable lands, diversity of weather, potential of work force, many rivers and underground water and higher annual mean precipitation is a very capable region. Also, the relatively success of cultivating industrial crops such as sugar beet, forage corn, sunflower and rape in a short period of time is a very good evidence of this claim. About 1.3% of agricultural lands of the province are located in this region, and in terms of cultivated area and production rate, it has the first rank in the province. As with the production of 180,000 tons of wheat per year, it is known in Zanjan province. Integrated, extensive, regular and weed-free farms indicate the region's talent and interest of farmers. Due to the climate and soil of the region, cereal cultivation has a very good performance. Also, wheat seed production is done at the level of 2100 ha of lands, which provides the required seeds for the province.

Rape is cultivated on 800 ha, which has the highest performance (6.5 tons per ha) in the province. Also, the cultivation of new crops such as saffron, gladiola and lilium in the region has been successfully carried out and the development of cultivation of this crops is one of the future plans. The construction of the pistachio orchard has been done as a new activity on 6 ha, with an average yield of 1 ton per hectare. Also, a greenhouse has recently been built in the city for the cultivation of lilium flowers, which operates at an area of 2300 square meters and exports its production to the countries bordering the Persian Gulf.

In addition to these activities, the increase in industrial livestock stockyards the establishment of agro-industrial complexes also promises the prosperity of this region in the agricultural and livestock sectors. The activities of 3 units of these complexes are as follows: Dasht-e-Mir Agro-Industry Complex is the oldest company active in the field of agriculture in the fields of agronomy, animal husbandry, aquaculture and greenhouse cultivation at the level of 240 ha. Hybridizing, breeding of oil seed crops on large scale, seed oil, production of sunflower hybrid seeds, improvement and production of potato and wheat seeds are main activities of this agro-industry. Relying on horticulture, Parham Agro-Industry Complex has established a 340-hectare apple orchard, which is irrigated with a drip irrigation system.

Khodabandeh Sabz-Dasht Agro-Industry Complex, with an area of 1000 ha, operates in two fields of agronomy and animal husbandry, of which 350 ha are covered by modern rain irrigation. In recent years, aquaculture has become commonplace in the region using agricultural water as a complementary activity.

Animal husbandry and poultry farming activities as a supplement to the agricultural sector are common among the villagers of this region. While a significant portion of livestock breeding is practiced traditionally, industrial animal husbandries has also grown significantly in recent years. The livestock population of this township in 2011 was about 581410 animal units, which is the second among the townships of the province. In 2011, the total number of livestock industrial complexes was 43 units, of which 21 were calve fattening units with a capacity of 3220 heads, 21 units were lamb fattening with a capacity of 5250 heads, 2 units were rearing sheep with 1120 herds, and 7 dairy cattle units with  640 herds. In 2011, the total number of industrial poultry breeding units was 12, of which 5 rearing poultry units with a capacity of 74,000 pieces and 3 laying poultry units with a capacity of 23,700 pieces per year are included.

In 2011, this township is ranked third among livestock products such as red meat at 3784 tons, chicken meat at 355 tons, and milk at 37224 tons, which ranks third among the cities of the province. Due to the diversity of weather and relatively good vegetation cover of rangelands with an area of 150,000 ha, Khodabandeh Township is considered a potential area for beekeeping. It should be noted that in 2011, a number of 10126 bee colonies in this township with production of 82 tons of honey was recorded, which is the second largest production in the province.

Khoram Darreh Township

The total area of irrigated and rainfed lands under cultivation in this city is 12391 ha, of which 7605 ha are irrigated lands and 4895 ha are of rainfed cultivation. The area of Khorramdareh orchards is 4300 ha and the forest area of the city is 2000 ha. The main products of the city are wheat, walnuts, grapes, apples, apricots, beans, potatoes, plums and summer products.

Khorramdareh Dasht Agro-Industry, as an active company in horticulture, agronomy and animal husbandry, has taken extensive measures to produce mainly horticultural, agricultural, livestock and poultry products, especially pullets. In addition to supplying products to domestic markets, some of them are exported to global markets.

The Qoru Chai River, which originates in the northern mountains of the township, and along the way from north to south flows into the Kabir River. The Kabir River also enters the city from Zanjan and after passing through different areas and inside the city, it finally enters the Abhar city and the Abhar River.

In 2011, the city in terms of livestock production such as red meat at 1683 tons (ranked fifth), chicken at 845 tons, milk at 41590 tons and honey at 23 tons, ranking seventh among the townships of the province.

The agricultural capabilities of the region include the possessing Agro-Industries, the possibility of establishing process industries along with orchards and farms, the possessing available roads and proper communication facilities with the regions. The city ranks second in terms of grape production in the province, and high-quality red apples from Khorramdareh have entered global markets. For the development of agriculture in the region, two valuable soil dams have been built and put into operation in the northern and southern parts of the township, which will have also a significant impact on the region's ecosystem.

In this township, more than 30 ha of land are planted with rape, with an average performance of two tons per hectare per year. A variety of products such as walnuts, apricots, almonds, potatoes, apples, grapes, plums, etc. are among the agricultural products of this city.

Tarom Township

According to estimates, the share of this region in the export of agricultural products is between 50 to 60 percent. Its total agricultural land is 46,000 ha, of which about 32,000 ha are under cultivation. About 17,000 ha of this region’s area are allocated annually for crop cultivation, some of which are planted two or three times a year. About 82% of the land in the city is irrigated and the rest is rainfed. The area of ​​Tarom Gardens is 18,000 ha. The main products of this region include garlic, tomatoes, potatoes, wheat, barley, onions and rape. Original garden products include olives, pomegranates, figs, hazelnuts, apricots, cherries. The area of ​​non-fruit-bearing orchards is 4760 ha and the area under cultivation of fruit-bearing orchards is 7640 ha. In 2011, its livestock population was 259,145 heads, so that it was ranked fifth among the townships of the province.

The number of industrial livestock units in this region is 6 units, including 1 dairy cow farming unit, 2 calf fattening units, and 3 lamb fattening units.

In 2010, its red meat production was 1489 tons (sixth rank), chicken meat 1130 tons (fourth rank), milk 8000 tons (seventh rank) and honey 56 tons (third rank) (ranking compared to other townships).

The Characteristics of the Agricultural Sector of Tarom Township:

· Most of the active population of this region is engaged in the agricultural sector,

· Full reliance of this region’s economy on agricultural income given the employment situation in the agricultural sector,

· Having the first place in the country in the field of olive production

· Possessing base gardens as the genetic support of the country's olives for producing olive cuttings,

· Possessing a permanent Qezel-Euzan River as a vital artery of farms and gardens and the possibility of exploiting it for agricultural purposes

· Appropriate weather condition for greenhouse production and out of season

· Unique variety of agronomical and horticultural crops (for more than 50 crop)

· Available markets in adjacent provinces

· Appropriate condition for establishing of agricultural process industries

· Standard unique cultivation and extension of multi cultivation system

·  Active farmers, mostly literate, which gain superior ranking in the region and in the country

· Special condition to expand oil seed crops including rapeseed, soy beans as the second crop in the cultivation season

· High agricultural production given the expanse of the region

· Enjoying suitable condition to expand orchards on foothills and highlands especially walnut, almond, and hazelnut

· Suitable conditions to expand apiary given the vast rangelands and orchards

· Suitable location given the region access to provinces Ardabil, Guilan, and Qazvin

· The possibility of expanding olive orchards … on the highlands given the establishment of water pump stations on Qezel-Euzan River

· Enjoying fertile lands having soil textures such as loam, loam-clay, and sand-loam

· The possibility of expanding cultivated lands given 27 permanent and seasonal rivers

· Availability of good rangelands in the northern and southern parts of the township to feed livestock

· Premium marketing of agricultural and horticultural crops (as a big advantage over other provinces)

· Possessing higher diversity in medicinal plants

· Noticeable capacity in fish farming of warm and cold fish

Mahneshan TownShip

The area under arable farming and horticulture are more than 56640 ha which is 11% of all province’s agricultural lands, of which 19% is orchards and 81% yearly agricultural crops. Irrigated crops and dry farming lands area are 13111 ha and 43529 ha, respectively, and the area dedicated to orchards is 4600 ha. Orchards production and that of agricultural areas is 29672 tons and 76722 tons, respectively, the later is largely dry farming wheat crop.

In 2011, fourteen industrial animal and fowl breeding farms were functioning in this township. Also, in this year, Milk, red meat, fowl meat, and honey production were 16265, 2070, 130, and 53 tons which attained fifth, fourth, seventh, and fourth rank among all townships of the province, respectively. It worth mentioning that this region has also 20 fish farms which produce 1000 tons fish. The animal population was 426294animal unit which attained third rank in the province.

The area of rangelands is 206000 ha which produce 51500 tons of animal feed. Besides the area of forest plantations is about 385 ha.

Potential Capabilities of Mahneshan in Agricultural Sector

· Seasonal and permanent Qezel-Euzan River (80 km.), Anguran-Chai, Qaleh-Chai, and pumping facilities as suitable bases for expanding of fishing and fish farming, gardening, and farming activities.

· Possessing appropriate lands neighboring Qezel-Euzan coasts to expand gardens (in this regard capability-finding studies has been done in 1000 ha.

· Possessing liable work force which are interested in agricultural activities due to no other alternatives.

· Shining potential in cold and warm fish farming

· Vast expanse of rangelands to produce animal products, protein, and apiary

Eijroud Township

High suitability for farming and possessing five permanent rivers along other water-supplying projects such as Golabar dam and its water distribution system which supplies water to 7500 ha, Qarah-Daraq dam and other similar projects have provided capacities and facilities for agriculture and animal husbandry in this region. The possibility of supplying water from surface waters and small dams, lower steepness of plains and hilly lands up to 80000 ha which are arable lands. At the present time about 30000 ha of lands is under wheat farming. Irrigated and dry farming lands of this region is 87000 ha of which 53000 ha is cultivated and the remainder, 33000 ha, is fallow. Total area of wheat farming is 35000 ha, while experimental farming of some other crops as saffron and nacreous mushroom have created new opportunities in the region. Also greenhouse farming due to suitable conditions is expanding.

According to agricultural statistics, orchard products including pome fruits such as apple, pear 4349/85 tons; stone fruits such as cherry, sour cherry, plum, apricot, nectarine, and golden drop plum 2430.8 tons; berries such as grapes up to 63 tones; and nuts such as pistachio, almond, walnut up to 622.7 tons shows that this region attained sixth rank in producing pome fruits and nuts, while its rank in production of stone fruits and berries is seventh in the province. According to above statistics, developing of agricultural processing industries is depended on expanding of orchards.

In 2011, the animal population of this township was 190366 animal unit, which attain sixth rank in the province. In the same year, it was reported that production animal production was as follow: red meat 1185tons (seventh rank), fowl meat 1465 tons (third rank), milk 9306 tons (sixth rank), honey 26 tons (sixth rank) (ranking attained in the province).

Possessing appropriate rangelands for keeping of livestock and poultry is one of many capabilities of this township.in recent years investment plans to develop of small scale breeding farms have recorded conspicuous achievements, so that most of the farmers registered for such projects. Due to suitable water sources, lakes and water supplying system of Glabar dam, this region is enjoying appropriate condition for fish farming, as a result, the most modern caged fish farming is functioning in Golabar dam. Besides some rare fish species are breeding somewhere in this township.

Overall Capabilities of the Province in Agricultural Section

· Enjoying of climate diversity and suitable potential in agricultural and horticultural production.,

· Enjoying high potential for surface water,

· Potential of suitable soil

· Possessing reclaimable and usable lands,

· Capabilities to produce special agricultural and horticultural crops,

· Possessing natural conservation sites and genetic diversity of plants and animals.

· Possessing small and large mud dams, the possibility of developing them,

· Capacity to develop fish farming,

· Developing cooperative companies and syndicates in agricultural sector,

· Improving water infiltration coefficient, roads, electricity, and communication facilities in rural regions to full functioning capacity,

· Expanding of surface water accumulation by small and large scale structures and watershed management operations,

· Access to major populated regions and industrial centers and possessing consumer markets for products,

· Possessing rivers such as Zakjan-Roud, Sojas-Roud, Qezel-Euzan, Abhar-Roud, Khara-Roud due to using their capacities to development of garden and farm cultivation and other agricultural uses,

· Diversity of crops due to special geographical location of the province and early marketability of some of crops in comparison to other provinces,

· Possessing agricultural industrial parks in different parts of the province,

· Possessing scientific centers and agriculture colleges and privilege of active workforce and young experts,

· Possessing processing industries given the diversity of farm, garden, and animal products,

· Enjoyment of suitable conditions to development of new and modern gardens,

· Possessing apiary farms and honey production due to vast rangelands and gardens,

· Possessing dry farmlands and the possibility of their conversion to irrigation farms,

· Unique diversity of farm and garden products (more than 50 products),

· High capability in relation to cold water and warm water fish farming

· Attaining of first ranking in rapeseed production,

· Olive experimental station as the major and the most equipped station among others in the country along with Qara-Charian station that is the most active aquifer management system in the country have provided required facilities for research in agriculture,

· Availability of inexpensive raw agricultural material in the province and supplying to other neighboring provinces,

· Possessing natural springs and numerous waterfalls and diverse wild life species in habitats and conserved regions,

· Suitable condition for developing animal husbandry,

· Potential capacities for producing animal feed and cereals required for agricultural and natural resources sector,

· Appropriate lands for developing greenhouse farming,

· Diverse climatic and ecologic to expand the different agricultural activities,

· Possessing animal husbandry related industries (sterilized milk processing factory, industrial poultry abattoir small scale creameries),

· Suitable location of the province for producing and exporting of different agricultural and animal products,

· Possibility of using underground water of plains,

· Possibility of doing complementary irrigation in some farm lands,

· Ecotourism potential in some regions,

· Aqua farming conversion from conventional to mechanized level using facilities such as apparatus to increase soluble oxygen in water (air pomp, oxygen mixer) pond dredging systems, …,

· Providing frameworks to study fish farms complexes,

· About 360 km of 700 km of Zanjan-Roud river located in Zanjan province,

· Aqua culture based on mud dams and underground water such as wells, springs, and Qanats, and

· Potential to increase 3 times of present 30000 tons fish farms products using facilities provided cooperation of related organization.